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Unlisted, a groundbreaking digital real estate community focused on the 98% of homes that aren’t for sale — yet, announced today that Suzanne O'Bryant of Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty has joined the platform as the exclusive Local Expert for ZIP codes 28461, 28411, 28405, and 28409 across Southeastern North Carolina’s coastal communities.

Unlisted’s technology introduces new opportunities throughout the real estate landscape. Buyers gain access to homes that align with their lifestyle and long-term goals, not only those currently listed on the MLS. Homeowners receive greater clarity around how their property fits into local demand and can connect with interested buyers when the timing feels right. Real estate professionals benefit from tools that elevate their expertise, reinforce neighborhood presence, and encourage more meaningful conversations within their communities.

The platform leverages publicly available data to create a digital property profile for every home in the country. Buyers can search and organize these profiles into personalized collections, including homes that are not actively for sale. For homeowners, the profiles offer insight into market interest and reveal possibilities that may otherwise remain unexplored.

Each vetted real estate professional on Unlisted is assigned an agent profile that connects to every home profile within their designated ZIP codes. Only one agent is selected per ZIP code, underscoring Unlisted’s emphasis on trusted local representation, deep market knowledge, and credibility. As the network continues to grow, Unlisted remains focused on transparency, connection, and opportunity throughout the home journey.

Suzanne O'Bryant brings extensive coastal market expertise and a relationship-driven approach to her role as a Local Expert. With more than $350 million in career sales and consistent recognition as the top producing broker on Bald Head Island and in Brunswick County, Suzanne has built her reputation on open communication, strategic guidance, and a deep understanding of her clients’ lifestyles and goals.

Originally from Northern Virginia, Suzanne graduated with honors from NC State University with a degree in Communications and Public Relations. After a successful career in marketing and public relations, she and her family settled in Wilmington, where she transitioned into real estate full time. Her business quickly gained momentum, leading her to move to Bald Head Island full time in 2019. Deeply involved in the community, Suzanne serves on multiple boards and advisory groups and volunteers with the Bald Head Island Conservancy during the summer months.

Reflecting on the partnership, Suzanne shared her perspective: “Coastal North Carolina offers a way of life that is deeply personal and community driven. Unlisted gives buyers and homeowners a thoughtful way to explore opportunities earlier, and I’m excited to bring that insight to the coastal communities I know so well.”

Founder and CEO Katie Hill also commented on the announcement: “When we look for Local Experts, we look for agents who combine market leadership with genuine care for their communities. Suzanne’s experience, integrity, and commitment to her clients make her an outstanding addition to the Unlisted network.”

To learn more about Unlisted, visit UnlistedHomes.com. For Unlisted for Agents, visit UnlistedHomes.com/Agents. 

To learn more about Suzanne O'Bryant, visit her Unlisted Profile or her website.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale — yet. The company empowers home buyers to join the Waitlist for homes they love that aren’t for sale — in other words, unlisted. At the same time, homeowners collect a Waitlist of interested buyers for whenever the time comes to sell, giving everyone a head start. Unlisted also allows homeowners to control how their home is presented online; they can create a stunning up-to-date property profile that shows off the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time and more connection, Unlisted is a more human way to explore real estate that drives better outcomes for all. Selected for TechCrunch’s 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 as one of the top tech startups globally, and backed by HearstLab, Hearst Newspapers, VC414, StageNext Fund, and prominent angel investors, Unlisted gives buyers a competitive edge in today’s challenging housing market. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Maura Racz
maura@unlistedinc.com

Arculus, the secure self-custody digital asset platform developed by CompoSecure (NYSE: CMPO), has integrated the Yield.xyz API to bring native and liquid staking directly into its cold storage wallet experience. The integration enables Arculus users to earn staking rewards across more than a dozen leading blockchain networks while maintaining full control of their private keys through Arculus’ hardware-backed security model.

With this release, Arculus expands beyond simple storage and transactions to become a full-featured self-custody staking platform. Users can now access onchain yield opportunities across major ecosystems including Ethereum, Solana, Tron, Avalanche, and Cosmos, all through a single, unified interface inside the Arculus Wallet App.

Secure Self-Custody Meets Native Staking

Arculus is a hardware-based cold storage wallet platform built around a metal smart card form factor that eliminates the need for batteries, charging cables, or USB dongles. The Arculus Key Card works in tandem with the Arculus Wallet App using a proprietary 3-factor authentication system that combines biometric authentication, a private 6-digit PIN, and the Arculus metal Key Card.

This layered security model allows users to maintain full self-custody of their digital assets while enabling intuitive “tap-to-transact” functionality for everyday onchain activity. With the integration of Yield.xyz, Arculus extends this security-first design to staking and yield generation.

Native and Liquid Staking Across Leading Networks

The Yield.xyz integration allows Arculus users to participate in staking across a wide range of proof-of-stake networks without leaving the wallet interface or relying on third-party platforms. Supported opportunities include:

• Ethereum staking via preferred validators and liquid staking through Lido and Rocket Pool
• Avalanche liquid staking via Benqi
• Tron liquid staking via JustLend
• Native staking for Celestia, Cosmos, Osmosis, Sei, Injective, Cardano, Polygon, Coreum, and additional networks

Yield.xyz acts as the staking infrastructure layer behind Arculus, providing standardized access to validators, liquid staking protocols, and yield products across chains. This allows Arculus to offer consistent staking flows across ecosystems while maintaining full self-custody for users.

Simplifying Onchain Participation

Rather than forcing users to manage different staking workflows for each blockchain, the Yield.xyz API abstracts protocol complexity and routes staking actions through a single integration. The result is a streamlined staking experience that feels native inside the Arculus wallet.

Users can discover staking opportunities, delegate assets, mint liquid staking tokens, and track rewards, all while their private keys remain secured by Arculus’ cold storage architecture.

“Yield.xyz gives Arculus users seamless access to staking across multiple ecosystems, all while maintaining the security expectations that hardware-based solutions require,” said Dr. Adam Lowe, chief product officer at Arculus. “Expanding staking support reflects our commitment to meeting user demand for broader onchain participation without compromising on self-custody.”

Infrastructure Built for Scale and Security

Yield.xyz is the unified yield infrastructure layer used by leading wallets, exchanges, and fintech platforms to power staking and DeFi products directly inside their applications. The API aggregates thousands of yield opportunities across 75-plus blockchains and provides production-grade access to validators, liquid staking protocols, money markets, and vaults through a single integration.

“Arculus provides an important access point for users who want secure, self-custodial staking,” said Serafin Lion Engel, CEO of Yield.xyz. “By integrating Yield.xyz, Arculus can offer staking across major ecosystems through a single connection while preserving the hardware-backed security model that their users trust.”

Expanding the Arculus Platform

Arculus is consistently ranked as one of the most innovative cold storage wallets in the market. In 2022, ABI Research named Arculus the Top Innovator in the cold storage wallet industry, citing its layered security model, metal smart card design, and ease of use.

Developed by CompoSecure, a global leader in secure authentication and payment technologies, Arculus brings institutional-grade security to everyday crypto users. The platform is designed for both new users entering crypto and experienced participants managing diversified onchain portfolios.

With staking now live, Arculus continues its evolution from a secure storage solution into a full-featured self-custody platform for earning, transacting, and participating across Web3.

About Yield.xyz

Yield.xyz is the leading unified yield infrastructure powering the next generation of fintech and Web3 finance. Through a single API, it enables wallets, neobanks, and fintech platforms to integrate onchain yield from staking, lending, and restaking protocols across more than 75 networks. Trusted by leaders including Ledger, Tangem, Zerion, Utila, and Deblock, Yield.xyz abstracts away blockchain complexity — delivering seamless, compliant, and revenue-driving yield experiences to millions of users worldwide. To learn more, visit yield.xyz.

Media Contact

Apurv Mishra
apurv@yield.xyz

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has named Dan Devers as General Counsel, effective January 26, 2026. In this role, Devers will provide strategic and operational leadership on all legal matters across the Institute and its affiliates, including governance, compliance, intellectual property strategy, and partnerships that support the Institute's mission to uncover new knowledge in foundational biology and develop innovative ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. 

Devers joins the Stowers Institute as a seasoned legal and business executive with more than 20 years of experience. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Cerner Corporation, the world's largest healthcare information technology company, before its acquisition by Oracle in 2022.

"Dan brings an extraordinary combination of legal depth, business acumen, and strategic vision," said Jonathan Thomas, CEO and Chairman of the Board for the Stowers Institute and Chairman, CEO and President of American Century Investments. "His leadership will be critical as we continue to build for the future, ensuring our governance structure and practices remain aligned with the scale, complexity and long-term strategy for the Stowers Institute, and advancing the long-term mission set forth by our founders, Jim and Virginia Stowers. I'm confident Dan will be a tremendous asset in supporting the breakthrough foundational research conducted by our scientists."

At Cerner, Devers negotiated the company's $28.3 billion sale to Oracle, which became one of the largest global transactions of 2022. In his role, he led global legal, regulatory, and risk management functions and developed an industry-leading portfolio of more than 650 patents.

"I am honored to join this remarkable organization during a dynamic time of scientific exploration and institutional growth," Devers said. "Legal strategy and governance play a vital role in enabling scientific excellence and collaboration. I look forward to advancing the Institute's extraordinary mission and ensuring our legal and business strategies maximize the global impact of the Institute's discoveries."

Each year, over 40% of American Century Investments' dividends are directed to the Stowers Institute to support its research. This has totaled more than $2 billion to date. Devers will ensure this unique and critical source of long-term funding is supported by legal strategies that sustain rigorous, mission-driven science.

"Strong science requires strong infrastructure," said Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Stowers Institute. "Dan's appointment signals our commitment to legal and organizational excellence as we pursue increasingly complex collaborations and tackle bold scientific questions that push the boundaries of what we know about life. His insight and leadership will be invaluable as we shape the future of foundational research."

Devers' appointment follows the retirement of Charles German, who has served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel for the Stowers Group of Companies since 2020. Devers will report directly to Jonathan Thomas.

Devers earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Missouri School of Law and a B.S. with honors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri. In addition to his corporate leadership roles, he has provided counsel and advisory support to academic institutions and nonprofit organizations, strengthening legal frameworks that support innovation and impact.

About Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Founded in 1994 through the generosity of Jim Stowers, founder of American Century Investments, and his wife, Virginia, the Stowers Institute for Medical Research is a non-profit, biomedical research organization with a focus on foundational research. Its mission is to expand our understanding of the secrets of life and improve life's quality through innovative approaches to the causes, treatment, and prevention of diseases.

The Institute consists of 20 independent research programs. Of the approximately 500 members, over 370 are scientific staff that include principal investigators, technology center directors, postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, and technical support staff. Learn more about the Institute at www.stowers.org and about its graduate program at www.stowers.org/gradschool.

Media Contact

Joe Chiodo
Director of Communications
press@stowers.org
+1 724-462-8529

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) today announced the appointment of Dr. Brandon Thorne as Senior Vice President for Energy Programs, effective January 12, 2026. The appointment signifies USRA's strategic focus on anticipating and addressing the nation's evolving energy needs, particularly through the convergence of advanced energy systems, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.

For more than four decades, USRA has played a significant role in nuclear energy research, analysis, and workforce development, supporting federal missions and advancing scientific and technical excellence. The creation and appointment of this role positions USRA to build on that legacy while helping to shape the next generation of energy solutions during a period of renewed national and global investment in nuclear technologies.

"Energy is entering a transformative era, driven by advances in nuclear engineering, AI, quantum science, and the urgent need for resilient, secure, and clean power," said Dr. Elsayed Talaat, President and CEO, Universities Space Research Association. "The appointment of Brandon reflects our commitment to thinking strategically about what the nation needs next and ensuring that our research, partnerships, and talent are aligned to meet those needs."

Dr. Thorne brings over 20 years of experience in energy systems, nuclear science, policy, business development, partnership formation, aeronautical science, national security, and related fields with a demonstrated ability to lead complex, interdisciplinary initiatives across government, academia, and industry. Prior to joining USRA, he served as Senior Director, Office of the Vice President for the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, where he supported the management and operations of a Department of Energy national laboratory. In that role, he acted as the second in command on a $1.6B prime contract, overseeing strategy, execution, and enterprise risk. He has held leadership positions in Nuclear Services and Technology and helped lead operations in the Nuclear and Particle Physics Directorate at Brookhaven National Laboratory. He also served in leadership roles at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions in Aiken, South Carolina.

Prior to his Department of Energy roles, Dr. Thorne led global operations supporting the Department of Defense, bringing expertise in aeronautical science and intelligence-informed systems integration, applying aeronautical science to advanced systems integration across energy and national security domains.

His leadership perspective is further shaped by advanced executive education at Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and Wharton, with a focus on strategy, governance, business, and enterprise leadership in complex institutions.

As Senior Vice President for Energy Programs, Dr. Thorne will lead USRA's energy strategy with a particular emphasis on nuclear energy innovation, AI-enabled energy systems, and the emerging role of quantum technologies in modeling, optimization, materials science, and national security applications. The role is designed to help propel USRA into a leadership position during what many describe as a new nuclear renaissance, marked by advanced reactors, digital engineering, and integrated energy-intelligence systems.

Dr. Thorne holds a Ph.D. from Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, a master's in engineering from University of Alabama in Birmingham, an MBA from University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University.

About USRA

Founded in 1969, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is an independent, nonprofit organization that advances space- and Earth-related science, engineering, and technology through innovative research, education, and workforce development programs. USRA partners with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry to address some of the nation's most complex scientific and technical challenges. For more information, visit www.usra.edu.

Media Contact

Suraiya Farukhi
sfarukhi@usra.edu
+1 443-812-6945

flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East, announced the establishment of a new operations base at Abha International Airport in cooperation with the leading airport operator, Cluster2 company, and the Aseer Development Authority, adding to its existing operations bases in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah, and becoming the first Saudi airline to operate flights from five different hubs across the Kingdom.

Beginning March 29, flynas will launch the first phase of this expansion, offering direct flights to 11 domestic and international destinations. The international network from Abha will include six permanent routes to Dubai, Cairo, Istanbul, and Addis Ababa, as well as seasonal service to Kuwait and Trabzon. These new routes complement the five domestic cities already served from Abha: Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, and Tabuk. The leading LCC plans to gradually double the number of destinations linked to this new hub.

Bander Almohanna, CEO and managing director of flynas, said: “The launch of our new operations base in Abha represents a strategic investment designed to build an integrated national operating network. Beyond operational growth, the hub aims to stimulate economic and tourism development in the Aseer region, supporting the goal of transforming it into a year-round global tourist destination. This initiative directly aligns with the National Civil Aviation Strategy and the overarching objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”

flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, and the first airline listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) operates 156 routes to more than 80 domestic and international destinations in 38 countries with more than 2000 weekly flights and has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations within its growth and expansion plan, and in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.

Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: www.flynas.com, the flynas app, the call centre (9200 01234), or travel agents.

About flynas

flynas, the leading low-cost airline in world and the best in the Middle East, and the first airline listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), with a 66-aircraft fleet, operates more than 2000 weekly flights across 139 routes to more than 70 domestic and international destinations in 30 countries. Since its launch in 2007, flynas has transported more than 80 million passengers. Recently, in 2025, flynas was named the Best Low-Cost Airline in the Middle East for the eighth time in a row, winning in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and ranked among the top 10 low-cost airlines worldwide. As per the prestigious Skytrax, which is the most important global forum for the aviation industry. flynas has earned several accolades, including the Middle East's Leading Low-Cost Airline award from the World Travel Awards for eleven consecutive years (from 2015 to 2024), as well as being ranked in the 4-star low-cost carrier category, the highest category of the low-cost airline in the world by APEX rating. For more information, visit www.flynas.com.

Media Contact

flynas PR
flynas
woahmed@flynas.com

Printing is at an inflection point, and the industry has yet to wake up to it. Many printing companies are struggling with the new reality. Digital printing alone is already a $14.9 billion market, and it is projected to account for more than half of all print volume in 2025.

This is no longer a transition. It is the new normal, and traditional offset print simply cannot keep up without long lead times, overhead inventory costs while you wait for delivery, plus lost opportunities in-store.

Nowadays, businesses don't print “just in case;” they print exactly what they need, when they need it. Many print companies, including HelloPrint, have already become more flexible and are working in partnership with brands to ensure they can move quickly without biting off more than they can chew on the budget or timeline.

What Digital Printing Actually Is (And Why It’s Not New)

Unlike offset printing, which requires plates, films, and various processes to set up, digital printing sends files directly from the computer to the press. This means you can send a piece of work electronically without preparing an entire print run.

The difference, really, is this. You need 500 logo folders by Friday. With offset printing, you’d have a minimum wait of 2 to 3 weeks and spend over $3,000 on plate setup and press adjustments alone. And with digital printing, there are no setup fees, and the order arrives by Friday. Same folder, same look, but production speeds are five times faster and costs are much lower for small to medium runs.

Since 2018, the claim that digital equals low quality has ceased to be true. Nowadays, digital presses can achieve up to 2,400 DPI resolution and are comparable in quality to offset printing for most businesses (except in the most specialized applications).

Market Reality: $14.9 Billion and Growing

What businesses are buying marks a seismic shift in how they think about where and how long print inventory is stored, as well as the timing of campaigns. Their inventory costs go down by 80% when companies buy 250 rather than 5,000. Storage costs disappear. The risk of inventory sitting in unsold quantities on a warehouse floor falls away.

As businesses have begun to learn that flexibility and speed are more valuable than volume discounts increasingly, we believe digital will capture over 50% of total print volume in the long term. Average order size fell by 60% over three years according to HelloPrint customer data, while order frequency went up by 140%. Companies aren't printing less. They're printing smarter.

Digital printing eliminates the generation of inventory that offset introduced. It drove businesses to exorbitant print runs in order to recoup the setup costs, resulting in warehouses filled with material that would often become obsolete before even being used.

Why E-Commerce Is Leading the Shift

Digital printing is adopted quickly by e-commerce companies because they are fast changing to embrace the shift. Packaging forms the foundation of an unboxing experience that elicits social shares and drives repeat purchases. However, this experience needs to remain new and meaningful, and to stay that way, packaging designs must adapt to seasonal campaigns, new releases, and continual testing within the market.

With digital printing, an eCommerce brand can create three variants of packaging, each having 200 units, gauge customer reaction to these packaging designs, and scale the winning design.

Product labels and marketing inserts require regular updates. Ingredient changes, regulatory changes, and promotions are put on a weekly basis. Many of the ways digital printing keeps up with e-commerce operations, offset printing just cannot.

Speed is not as important as risk reduction. With 500 units, the entire launch strategy changes because you do not have to blindly commit to 5,000 units you can test the market with just 500 units.

Debunking Outdated Perceptions on Quality

It is a myth that digital printing is of poor quality, and this thinking needs to end. With modern digital presses, you can get high-quality prints for up to 10,000 runs. Most new models use high-end CMYK or extended-gamut processes to deliver stunning detail and color. In many cases, there is no difference in quality between digital and offset printing.

For extremely high volumes, offset printing still makes sense when the initial investment is distributed across many prints, or under certain conditions, namely Pantone matching on uncoated paper. But this is increasingly rare as shorter and more flexible print runs grow in demand.

New digital presses can print at 2,400 DPI, with color remaining consistent from the first sheet to the last. The easiest way to get an idea of the quality is simply to compare side by side with some samples of offset prints. The difference is much less than one might think in many cases and can even be indistinguishable at times.

Why Speed Matters More Than You Think

Speed isn’t just a matter of convenience, as it gives you a big competitive advantage. An order comes Monday morning, and custom packaging arrives on Wednesday, and it's fulfilled by Thursday. That kind of turnaround lets businesses respond quickly to the market, capitalize on viral moments, and optimize campaigns with real-time performance data.

A slow printing process can wreck the whole campaign. A retail promo linked to a holiday weekend that shows up three days too late has already missed its opportunity. This is not a problem with digital printing which is typically produced on the day of order. That speed lets brands make their launch windows, instead of standing by and watching them whiz by.

Speed also lowers the overall project cost by eliminating project management overhead, expediting fees, and emergency shipping costs. By offering standard turnaround in 3 to 5 business days, HelloPrint puts an end to rush Fees and overnight shipping costs that make printing prices higher than the cost of the printing itself.

Making the Switch: What Businesses Should Consider

There are three questions you should ask yourself to determine whether digital printing is right for you. So, for example, what percentage of your orders are under 2,000 units? This needs to be higher than 70% because if digital is too low, you are likely saving money only today. Secondly, how much of an issue are timing constraints with your current printing setup? Third, how much additional value does customization or versioning add to your business?

There is also no need for companies to completely abandon offset. The brilliant tactics deploy each strategy to where its strength resides. Offset economics still favor massive catalog runs. With digital production, everything else, starting with packaging, marketing collateral, and point-of-sale materials, is progressively more sensible.

Total cost of ownership is what matters, not per-unit pricing, when making a decision.

The Market Has Spoken

The massive change in the printing world is not the result of hype. The reason it happened is that digital printing solves real problems. It reduces initial costs, lets printers run smaller and more intelligent print runs, simplifies inventory control, and mitigates the risk of wasted stock.

So we already know that digital printing is the future. Now the question you need to ask yourself is: if your current printing process is costing you money in the form of having stock on the shelf, missing deadlines, or a lack of flexibility. It is not the largest print-run that is winning in this market. They are the ones who can respond the quickest.

Media Contact

Martijn van der Pas
martijn@backlink.nl

Thomson Reuters (TSX/Nasdaq: TRI), a global content and technology company, today announced the launch of the Trust in AI Alliance. Convened through its innovation research center, Thomson Reuters Labs, the Trust in AI Alliance brings together leading AI researchers and engineers from across industry and academia with a shared mission: to advance the development of trustworthy, agentic AI systems.

As artificial intelligence systems become more autonomous, ensuring safety, accountability, and transparency has become increasingly critical, particularly in high-stakes professional environments. The Trust in AI Alliance was created to address this challenge by enabling collaboration among the technical leaders driving AI innovation, with a focus on defining what it means for agentic AI systems to be worthy of trust.

With its mission centered on advancing trust in AI, the Trust in AI Alliance is designed to move beyond discussion and toward action. Participants will share insights, identify common challenges, and help shape shared approaches to building reliable, accountable AI systems. With a focus on engineering trust directly into AI architectures, insights and key themes from each session will be shared publicly to inform the broader industry conversation around trustworthy AI. The Trust in AI Alliance's first session will focus on what it takes to engineer trust into agentic AI systems used in high-stakes professional environments.

"As AI systems become more agentic, building trust in how agents reason, act, and deliver outcomes is essential," said Joel Hron, Chief Technology Officer at Thomson Reuters. "The Trust in AI Alliance brings together the builders at the forefront of this work to align on principles and technical pathways that ensure AI serves people and institutions responsibly, and at pace."

Founding participants include senior engineering and product leaders from Anthropic, AWS, Google Cloud and OpenAI, alongside experts from Thomson Reuters. Together, the companies will explore approaches to reliability, interpretability, and verification — key factors in ensuring that advanced AI systems earn and maintain human confidence.

Thomson Reuters Labs is uniquely positioned to convene this dialogue, building on decades of experience operating at the intersection of technology, human expertise, and trust. The organization's global role across legal, tax, and regulatory domains offers a practical foundation for exploring how AI can be both innovative and accountable in complex, high-stakes environments.

"Trust in AI systems is essential as advanced technology takes on more autonomous actions in high-stakes settings and industries," said Scott White, Head of Product, Enterprise at Anthropic. "The Trust in AI Alliance is focused on the practical work of making these systems reliable enough to earn the confidence of the millions of professionals who depend on them."

"Building trusted agents requires grounding models in 'enterprise truth,' connecting them to the fresh, verifiable data that businesses run on," said Michael Gerstenhaber, Vice President of Product Management for Vertex AI at Google Cloud. "Thomson Reuters efforts to bring the industry together and define shared standards will give organizations the confidence to deploy these intelligent systems in high-stakes environments."

"We believe in advancing AI that serves people and organizations responsibly," said Zach Brock, Engineering Lead at OpenAI. "Partnering with Thomson Reuters creates an opportunity to collaborate on the shared technical and ethical questions that will shape AI's long-term role in society."

By connecting leading AI researchers, engineers, and institutional thought leaders, Thomson Reuters Labs aims to help shape the frameworks, standards, and shared understanding needed to build confidence in the next era of AI.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters (TSX/Nasdaq: TRI) informs the way forward by bringing together the trusted content and technology that people and organizations need to make the right decisions. The company serves professionals across legal, tax, accounting, compliance, government, and media. Its products combine highly specialized software and insights to empower professionals with the data, intelligence, and solutions needed to make informed decisions, and to help institutions in their pursuit of justice, truth, and transparency. Reuters, part of Thomson Reuters, is a world-leading provider of trusted journalism and news. For more information, visit tr.com.

Media Contact

Ali Hughes
Director, Technology and Innovation Communications
ali.hughes@thomsonreuters.com

Newly uncovered medical records suggest Sinai-Grace Hospital may have known one of its nurses was allegedly sexually assaulting patients at its hospital long before it has publicly claimed. Although the hospital insists it first learned of the misconduct in late September 2025, attorneys have discovered a patient chart that links 47-year-old William Figueroa-Berrios to an incident with a patient more than one year earlier. The record indicates she refused his request to completely undress for an EKG procedure and she subsequently asked for a female nurse.

“This isn’t a minor discrepancy — this is more than a year-long gap between what Sinai-Grace is telling the public and what its own records show,” said Bryce Hensley, Gould Grieco & Hensley founding partner. “If staff documented concerns about this nurse in patient records, then the questions become: Why was he still treating patients? Who ignored it? Was it buried? What was done in response? Many of our clients suffered because the hospital didn’t step in when it should have and were seen after this disturbing incident.”

The revelation comes as Gould Grieco & Hensley PLLC files lawsuits on behalf of 14 additional patients against Figueroa-Berrios, Sinai-Grace Hospital, and its parent companies, Tenet Healthcare Corporation and VHS of Michigan — almost all of which took place after the date of the newly-discovered patient chart. These new plaintiffs describe a similar pattern of sexual assault under the guise of medical care that includes digital penetration, groping, harassment, and coerced and unnecessary undressing.

“This should never happen to any patient in any hospital,” said Nicholas Wainwright, Gould Grieco & Hensley attorney. “The hospital permitted these women to be isolated with this predator, whose behavior followed a similar pattern of taking advantage of women in need of medical care. It raises very serious questions about how this could happen inside a medical institution like Sinai-Grace.”

The lawsuits allege Sinai-Grace catastrophically failed in its duty to protect patients. Attorneys say the hospital was negligent from the start — hiring Figueroa-Berrios without proper screening, failing to train him on patient-safety protocols, and allowing him to treat patients with limited supervision. According to the complaint, the hospital ignored prior incidents and investigations, failed to act on information that should have raised immediate red flags, and did not enforce the basic safeguards meant to prevent sexual abuse in clinical settings. 

Chaperone policies, reporting procedures, and oversight requirements were left unenforced, creating an environment where a predator could move freely and operate undetected. These institutional failures, the lawsuits argue, didn’t just allow the abuse to happen — they enabled a pattern of assaults involving over a dozen patients.

“We believe there are far more survivors out there who were never told what happened to them or who have been too afraid to come forward,” said Jennifer Cascio, Gould Grieco & Hensley partner. “When a hospital like Sinai-Grace ignores warning signs and gives a predator access to patients, the number of survivors is rarely limited to the ones we already know about. We are deeply concerned that hundreds more may have been put at risk.”

If you or a loved one were sexually abused while under Figueroa-Berrios’ medical care during his tenure at Sinai-Grace Hospital between 2024-2025, please contact GGH.

About Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC

Gould Grieco & Hensley (GGH) is a boutique national personal injury firm dedicated to advocating for victims of abuse and catastrophic injuries in high-stakes litigation. We pride ourselves on being Innovators of Law and Providers of Justice. Our attorneys have litigated and won cases nationwide, representing thousands of individuals, including thousands of survivors of rape, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse in many of the highest profile abuse cases across the country. These cases include claims against private and public institutions such as University of Michigan (Dr. Robert Anderson), Michigan State University (Dr. Larry Nasser), Endeavor Health (Dr. Fabio Ortega), professional sports teams, private and public schools, elite private boarding schools, orphanages, foster care programs, hospitals, mental health facilities, Fortune 500 companies, wealthy individuals (Jeffrey Epstein), and numerous religious institutions and related entities. Recent successes include participating in global settlements valued at nearly $3 billion, with over $400 million recovered on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation in the past 18 months. In addition to securing record recoveries, GGH attorneys have also worked with clients to fight for and secure policy changes, helping protect future generations of children and adults from abuse and exploitation. For example, as part of a recent $21.3 million settlement in the hotel abuse case last year (one of the largest settlements in the country for an individual survivor), the firm also successfully secured policy and training changes for thousands of hotels improving hotel pre-employment screening and safety for hotel guests and employees nationwide. For more information, visit gghlaw.com.

Media Contact

Zoe Chipalla
zchipalla@sgghlaw.com
+1 872-345-0523

Cardtonic has launched Pil, a B2B spend management platform developed to support reliable business payments for advertising, subscriptions, and large online transactions.

Many businesses struggle with payments for ads or subscriptions that fail unexpectedly. Large transactions often need to go through instantly, yet network issues or failed cards can make that difficult. Beyond operational disruption, tracking and managing expenses in a single place remains a challenge for many companies.

Cardtonic encountered similar issues while managing its own business payments. Repeated payment failures highlighted broader structural gaps in how business spending was handled. Addressing those challenges led to the development of Pil, a platform designed specifically to support business spending with greater reliability and control.

“Businesses don’t want upgraded consumer tools. They need systems designed for recurring spend, approvals, accountability, and visibility. That’s exactly how Pil was built,” said Emmanuel Sohe, CEO of Cardtonic.

Product Overview

Pil is a B2B spend management platform built by Cardtonic to reflect the operational realities of business payments.

Many existing virtual dollar cards are designed for retail use. While they may support personal subscriptions or occasional online payments, business spending involves recurring transactions, higher values, and time-sensitive payments across multiple teams. When these payments fail, the impact often extends beyond inconvenience and can disrupt core operations.

“These differences between retail virtual dollar cards and business-grade spending were experienced firsthand at Cardtonic,” said Sohe.

With Pil, businesses can create multiple virtual dollar cards, label them by purpose, and separate spending for advertising, tools, and subscriptions. This structure is intended to improve expense management, reduce confusion, and maintain clearer oversight.

Pil is also designed for team use. Businesses can invite teammates, assign cards, and set spending limits, enabling collaboration across departments while maintaining financial control.

The platform supports funding flexibility. Pil accounts can be funded using naira, cedis, or stablecoins such as USDT, allowing businesses in different regions to manage payments through a single system.

Pil has been developed as a stand-alone product rather than an extension of Cardtonic. This approach reflects the distinct infrastructure, compliance requirements, and long-term investment needed to support business payments effectively.

Development and Funding

As part of its development process, Cardtonic raised $2.1 million from investors to support Pil. According to Cardtonic Co-Founder Faturoti Kayode, building reliable financial infrastructure for businesses requires sustained technical investment, liquidity, and compliance strength.

“Building reliable financial infrastructure for businesses requires strong compliance, liquidity, and deep technical investment,” Kayode said.

The funding is intended to support system stability, regulatory compliance, and liquidity management. The objective is to address real-time business payment challenges without introducing additional complexity or risk.

Business Applications

Pil is intended to give businesses better control over their spend. The platform is structured to provide improved reporting, card management, and team-level controls.

By reducing uncertainty around payments, Pil allows businesses to focus on operational priorities such as campaign execution, expense oversight, and growth planning. Over time, the platform is designed to support simpler and more structured spending management across teams and departments.

Outlook

Pil reflects Cardtonic’s response to practical challenges encountered in managing business payments. The platform incorporates operational lessons, internal use cases, and a structured approach to addressing recurring payment failures.

With Pil, businesses are positioned to plan, execute payments, and manage spending with greater confidence and reduced disruption.

About Cardtonic

Cardtonic is a fast-growing fintech super-app enabling payments beyond borders through alternative channels such as virtual dollar cards and digital assets. The platform serves more than 1.5 million users, providing frictionless access to global payments, secure gift card exchange, international bills, and digital connectivity via eSIMs.

With a strong culture of discipline, speed, and customer trust, Cardtonic gives Africans the freedom to transact globally without relying solely on limited traditional banking rails. For more information, visit cardtonic.com/read.

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Partnerships Team
clients@memoir-communications.com

CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid has launched Pay with Wallet, a new feature in the invoice payment form that allows customers to pay invoices using Trust Wallet and MetaMask with fewer steps and reduced manual entry.

“Invoice payments should feel instant. Pay with Wallet removes copy‑paste and manual entry, so users can confirm the transaction with confidence,” comments Igor Skirnevskii, chief product officer at CoinsPaid.

With Pay with Wallet, CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid streamlines the payment journey across devices:

• On mobile: after tapping 'Pay,' you can choose one of the wallets to pay with. Then, it opens the crypto wallet app with currency, recipient address, and payment amount pre‑filled.
• On desktop: clicking 'Pay' generates a QR code that the customer scans with a phone camera to open the wallet app with pre‑filled details.
• If the wallet app is not installed: the user is automatically directed to App Store/Google Play to download the wallet application.

The goal is simple: remove friction at the point of payment, reduce errors caused by manual entry, and improve completion rates for invoice payments.

What It Solves

Manual copy‑paste and data entry are common causes of failed or incorrect payments. By opening the wallet with pre‑filled payment parameters, CryptoProcessing by CoinsPaid reduces friction and helps users complete payments more reliably.

“This is a small button with a big effect," added Skirnevskii. "We’re making invoice payments faster and reducing the everyday risk of manual input. Every extra step loses users. This update cuts the payment flow down to tap or scan, then confirm,  which helps reduce mistakes and supports better conversion.”

Pay with wallet is now available in the invoice payment form, with initial support for Trust Wallet and MetaMask.

About CoinsPaid

CoinsPaid is an Estonia-licensed crypto payment provider that offers ready-to-use, tailored solutions for businesses. With over 10 years of experience and a strong track record, the company operates internationally, helping merchants expand into new markets and scale globally. CoinsPaid is fully compliant with KYB/AML regulations and has successfully passed multiple independent cybersecurity audits. For more information, visit coinspaid.com.

Disclaimer

To see disclaimer statement, visit coinspaid.com/disclaimer-statement.

Media Contact

Support Team
info@coinspaid.com

Campervan Reykjavik, an Iceland-based vehicle rental company, reports a measurable increase in early booking activity for summer 2026 tied to the total solar eclipse scheduled for August of that year, signaling a shift in how far in advance travelers are committing to transportation in destinations with limited public transit infrastructure.

According to booking data observed by Campervan Reykjavik, demand for campervan rentals during the summer of 2026 is materializing significantly earlier than historical norms. The company reports that travelers planning to attend the eclipse are securing vehicles months — and in some cases years — ahead of arrival, prioritizing flexible, road-based travel options that allow access to rural observation areas.

Similar booking behavior is being observed across the broader mobility operations managed by the same group. Reykjavik Cars, a sister brand operating under the same ownership and management as Campervan Reykjavik, has also recorded increased early interest in conventional car rentals for the same period, indicating that the demand shift extends beyond campervan travel and into the wider vehicle rental market.

Industry representatives note that fixed-date global events such as solar eclipses introduce a fundamentally different planning dynamic compared to seasonal tourism. Because the timing and visibility of the August 2026 eclipse are known years in advance, travelers face less uncertainty and are committing to core trip components — particularly transportation — much earlier than usual.

In Iceland, where many key destinations lie outside urban centers and are inaccessible by public transportation, rental vehicles function as essential infrastructure rather than ancillary services. As a result, changes in vehicle reservation patterns often surface before shifts become visible in accommodation or attraction bookings.

Company data suggests that this early demand is not driven by supply shortages but by altered consumer behavior. Travelers appear increasingly focused on securing mobility first, then building itineraries around a guaranteed transportation base. Campervans, which combine lodging and transport, have seen especially strong interest among long-haul travelers planning extended stays around the eclipse window.

From a strategic standpoint, the trend presents new challenges for mobility providers. Traditional forecasting models — largely built on short-term booking cycles and seasonal averages — may underestimate demand associated with long-range, time-specific events. Fleet planning, capital allocation, and pricing strategies must now account for signals emerging well outside conventional planning horizons.

The effect may also extend beyond rental companies themselves. Increased road travel typically distributes visitor spending across a wider geographic area, supporting fuel stations, local retailers, campsites, and rural service providers. For smaller economies, this dispersion can help reduce pressure on urban centers while strengthening regional tourism resilience.

While the full economic impact of the August 2026 solar eclipse will not be measurable until closer to the event, early booking behavior indicates a broader structural shift in how travel demand forms around rare, high-visibility phenomena. Mobility providers operating in geographically dispersed destinations may increasingly serve as early indicators of these changes.

About Campervan Reykjavik

Campervan Reykjavik is an Iceland-based vehicle rental company specializing in campervan rentals for travelers seeking flexible, self-guided road travel. The company operates a modern fleet designed for year-round travel across Iceland and serves international visitors planning independent itineraries. For more information, visit www.campervanreykjavik.com.

About Reykjavik Cars

Reykjavik Cars is a car rental company based in Iceland, offering a range of vehicles suited for both urban and rural travel. The company serves leisure and business travelers and focuses on providing reliable transportation solutions for exploring Iceland beyond major cities. For more information, visit www.reykjavikcars.com.

Media Contact

Pablo Pozuelo
Communications Manager, Campervan Reykjavik
info@campervanreykjavik.com
+354 539 0605

Against the backdrop of fission-like technological advancement, the crisis of human survival has become a central concern in global academia. British physicist Stephen Hawking and Chinese scholar Hu Jiaqi, as representative thinkers in this field, have both issued serious warnings about the risks of runaway technology. While their core judgment that “technology may threaten human survival” resonates, and some of Hawking’s key points align closely with propositions Hu Jiaqi made years earlier, there are significant differences in the breadth of their crisis perception, the depth of their root-cause analysis, the systematic nature of their solutions, and the intensity of their practical promotion. Together, they constitute multiple dimensions in the study of technological risks.

The difference in the scope of their crisis focus represents the most evident divergence in their thinking. Hawking's warnings about existential risks exhibit a distinct "single-point focus", centering primarily on two threats: uncontrolled AI and contact with extraterrestrial civilizations. In 2014, Hawking explicitly stated that AI technology would ultimately develop self-awareness and surpass humans because its development speed far exceeds that of biological evolution. In 2017, he further called for a world government to regulate AI to avoid human extinction. Additionally, he cautioned against contact with aliens, fearing that a higher civilization could deliver a devastating blow to humanity. This focus stems from his background as a physicist, prioritizing the breakthrough risks inherent in technology itself and potential external threats, with relatively limited warnings regarding crises in other frontier fields like synthetic biology and nanotechnology.

In contrast, Hu Jiaqi’s perception of the crisis presents a "panoramic coverage" characteristic. As early as in his 2007 book, "Saving Humanity," he systematically pointed out that the technological crisis is not confined to a single domain but is a universal risk permeating all frontier technologies, including AI, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology. He emphasized that technology has magnified humanity's destructive capacity by orders of magnitude — from nuclear bombs to genetically engineered toxins, to self-replicating nanobots — and that unrestrained breakthroughs in any field could become the trigger for extinction. This comprehensiveness stems from his over 40 years of interdisciplinary dedication to the issue of human survival. He focuses not only on technology itself, but also on the synergistic effects of risks across different technological domains. His views highly correspond with the 2013 research findings of the University of Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute, which were published six years after his systematic exposition.

Regarding their understanding of the root causes of the crisis, their depth and dimensions of analysis differ markedly. Hawking's reflections lean more towards the "objective uncontrollability" at the technological level, positing that the accelerating pace and uncertainty of technological development are the core sources of the crisis, with less exploration into the deep influences of human nature and social systems. He likened AI to "either the best or the worst thing ever to happen to humanity," with his warning logic primarily built upon the inherent laws of technological evolution — that once technology surpasses a certain threshold, humans will lose control. While this perception accurately touches upon the direct trigger of the risk, it does not delve deeply into the underlying drivers of unrestrained technological development.

Hu Jiaqi, on the other hand, constructs an analytical framework centered on the dual root causes of human nature and institutions. He believes the essence of the technological crisis is an "evolutionary imbalance" — humanity's technological capabilities have exploded, but the wisdom and restraint to wield this technology have not kept pace. At the level of human nature, greed, selfishness, and short-sightedness drive humanity to endlessly extract the benefits of technology while selectively ignoring its potential risks. At the institutional level, the "prisoner's dilemma" caused by divided national governance traps countries in disorderly technological competition, with none willing to proactively limit or control technology for fear that "lagging behind means being beaten." This analysis of dual root causes explains both the subjective motivations for technological loss of control and points out the structural flaws in global governance. It is more penetrating than Hawking's single-dimensional analysis and lays a theoretical foundation for subsequent solution proposals.

The systematic nature of their solutions and the intensity of their practical efforts are the core manifestations of their ideological differences. Although Hawking proposed the directional suggestion of "forming a world government to regulate AI," he did not address specific implementation paths nor construct a corresponding social governance system. His warnings were mostly disseminated through public speeches and media interviews, remaining at the level of "ideational awakening," lacking dedicated organizational and practical promotion. The influence of his ideas relied more on the radiating influence of his personal academic reputation. This limitation meant that while his propositions could attract widespread attention, they struggled to transform into substantive global action.

Hu Jiaqi, however, developed a complete, tripartite solution integrating "technology limitation/control, global unification, and social reconstruction." He explicitly stated that the ultimate path to saving humanity is achieving the Great Unification of global politics, establishing a world regime that transcends national self-interest to break the "prisoner's dilemma" at the institutional level. Regarding technological control, he advocates universalizing existing safe and mature technologies to secure people's livelihoods while permanently sealing off high-risk technologies and related theories. At the societal level, he champions building a peaceful, friendly, equitably prosperous, and non-competitive society, promoting ethnic and religious integration. More importantly, he translates theory into practice: after publishing "Saving Humanity" in 2007, he wrote to 26 human leaders urging attention to the crisis; over the subsequent 18 years, he wrote to human leaders 12 times, sending a total of one million letters. In 2018, he founded "Humanitas Ark," uniting over 13 million supporters worldwide to continuously promote the dissemination of these ideas and cross-national coordination. This closed loop of "theoretical construction — practical promotion" elevates his thought far beyond mere academic discussion into an actionable manifesto with real-world influence.

Notably, their ideas exhibit a distinctive “sequential resonance”. Hu Jiaqi articulated his core arguments well before Hawking: his warning about the risks of contact with extraterrestrials predated Hawking’s by three years; his discussion of AI posing an existential threat came seven years earlier; and his advocacy for a world government preceded Hawking’s by a full decade — with remarkably consistent reasoning and illustrative examples. Hu Jiaqi has openly stated that Hawking’s views were “insufficiently deep, comprehensive, and thorough” — an assessment that aptly captures the essential gap between their perspectives. Hawking’s contribution lay in leveraging his stature as a world-renowned scientist to bring awareness of technological existential risks into the global mainstream. In contrast, Hu Jiaqi’s value resides in constructing a more complete theoretical framework and practical roadmap, offering humanity actionable strategies to confront these crises.

As technological risks become increasingly prominent today, the thoughts of Hawking and Hu Jiaqi are not contradictory but complementary. Hawking's focused warnings, with the authority of a world-renowned scientist, rapidly awakened public awareness, while Hu Jiaqi's systematic thinking provides the theoretical underpinning and practical blueprint for thoroughly addressing the crisis. Their differences essentially reflect diverse explorations of the human survival issue from different academic backgrounds and research perspectives. A deep and discerning analysis of these differences can help us understand the complexity of the technological crisis more comprehensively and offer richer intellectual resources for global technology governance. Only by combining precise risk prediction, profound root-cause analysis, and systematic solutions can we truly safeguard humanity's future.

Today, Havven, the next-gen social digital ecosystem built for the unapologetic, announced its official platform launch scheduled for February 4, 2026. Backed by the Mannx/Moonshotnx accelerator, Havven is entering the market, not as another "paywall platform," but as a high integrity sanctuary engineered specifically for the alternative, LGBTQ+, and kink communities currently marginalized by mainstream technology.

For years, adult creators and alternative communities have been treated as a "liability" by legacy social media, subjected to shadowbans, arbitrary censorship, and predatory algorithms. Havven is built on a different premise: What makes you different makes you the main event.

Havven arrives with a proprietary "Safety by Design" architecture that solves the industry's two biggest crises: privacy and piracy. By leveraging cutting edge AI in combination with proof of identity, Havven implements a frictionless, privacy preserving age verification system that ensures 100% regulatory compliance without ever compromising sensitive user data. 

This commitment to security is further fortified by our industry-first Anti-Piracy Fortress, a suite of proprietary screenshot and screen-recording deterrence technologies designed to actively prevent the "leakage" that currently costs creators millions in lost revenue annually. 

Together, these innovations move beyond simple moderation to create a high-integrity ecosystem where creator identity and digital assets are shielded by a true technical moat, ensuring that safety is the platform's standard, not an afterthought.

Alongside these safety measures, Havven will also employ a combination of both AI-driven and human moderators in an effort to uphold the standards the platform has set for itself. Images depicting anyone under the age of 18 will be strictly banned with no appeals, as well as any content that focuses on violence. The goal is safety for everyone on and off the platform.

In addition to fostering a truly inclusive community, Havven is disrupting the standard 80/20 revenue model by offering an industry leading 83/17 split, putting more capital directly into the hands of creators. 

Following the social platform launch on February 4, 2026, the ecosystem will expand in March with the debut of the Havven Marketplace. A unified commerce engine allowing creators to sell physical goods, digital assets, and professional services in one seamless environment. Doing so makes Havven the first safe privacy centered platform to offer creators a place to sell, consumers a place to buy, and everyone in the alternative and fringe communities a place to connect.

"Traditional social media wasn't built for us; we were the punchline, the risk, and the glitch," says Derek Hanjora, Havven CEO. "Havven is the escape from the traditional. We’ve built a fortress where identity isn't a data point to be sold, but a soul to be celebrated. With the support of Moonshotnx, we are proving that you can build a venture scale business that prioritizes human safety and radical inclusion over predatory algorithms."

Havven invites creators, dreamers, and seekers to stop trying to fit into a frame that wasn't built for them and join the revolution of authenticity.

Registration for the launch is now open and can be accessed at Havven.me. 

About Havven

Havven is the world’s first "Safety by Design" social ecosystem, engineered as a secure digital sanctuary for the 18-plus creator economy and alternative communities. By integrating a high-integrity social feed with proprietary anti-piracy technology — including advanced screenshot and screen-recording deterrence — Havven provides a secure home for the LGBTQ+, kink, and alternative populations currently marginalized by mainstream platforms. Currently a member of the prestigious Mannx/Moonshotnx accelerator, Havven is redefining digital commerce through its unified marketplace and creator-first 83/17 revenue model. Our mission is to move beyond the transactional nature of legacy paywalls to build a global sanctuary where identity is celebrated, and safety is the standard. For more information, visit www.havven.me.

Media Contact

Patty Howard
CMO, Sanctuary Innovations
patty@sanctuaryinnovations.com
+1 301-560-4247

As millions of Americans take part in Dry January, VIVAZEN® is encouraging people to rethink the month not as a restriction, but as an opportunity to feel sharper, more energized, and more present in daily life.

Interest in Dry January continues to grow as people become more mindful of how alcohol can affect sleep, next-day energy, and productivity. Public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to emphasize moderation and intentional consumption as part of an overall wellness approach

“Dry January doesn’t have to be about deprivation,” said Bryan Derr, COO of VIVAZEN. “For a lot of people, it’s simply a chance to notice how much better they can feel when they start their day clear-headed, focused, and ready to go.”

As people step away from alcohol, many look for alternatives that support energy and concentration during busy workdays and demanding schedules. VIVAZEN Energy & Focus products are designed for adults who want steady energy and clarity without the highs and lows that can come from alcohol-centered routines

“We hear it all the time,” Derr added. “People tell us they’re more productive at work, more engaged at home, and just feel more like themselves when they take a break from drinking. Dry January gives them permission to try something different — and sometimes that experiment sticks.”

Why Dry January appeals to so many people:

• Many participants report better sleep and more consistent energy 
• Reduced alcohol intake can support focus and mental clarity
• A short reset often helps people make more intentional choices long-term

“Dry January isn’t about making a big statement,” said Derr. “It’s about small changes that add up: choosing clarity over fog, energy over sluggishness, and habits that help you feel your best moving forward.” 

VIVAZEN encourages adults to approach Dry January as a personal reset, one that supports productivity, focus, and everyday performance well beyond the first month of the year.

About VIVAZEN

For over a decade, VIVAZEN has delivered trusted, high-quality botanical supplements that provide people with functional wellness without compromise. Rooted in centuries of herbal wisdom and backed by modern innovation, VIVAZEN is a functional, feel-good alternative for those who want to live — and feel — on their own terms. Join the millions who trust VIVAZEN to Feel Great™ naturally. For more information, visit feelgreatbotanics.com.

Media Contact

Media Contact
press@vivazen.com

Bowery Clinic today announced expanded, physician-led protocols centered on two clinically studied peptides that act upstream of growth hormone: Tesamorelin (a growth hormone–releasing hormone analog) and Sermorelin (a GHRH 1–29 analog historically marketed as Geref). Bowery’s approach is built for patients seeking serious, medically supervised support for body composition, recovery, and metabolic health - grounded in the biology of the growth hormone (GH)-IGF-1 axis and informed by peer-reviewed data.

Unlike direct growth hormone administration, these therapies aim to stimulate endogenous, pulse GH signalling - an important distinction in how clinicians think about risk management, dosing strategy, and monitoring.

Why the GH–IGF-1 axis matters

Growth hormone is secreted in pulses from the pituitary and influences multiple downstream pathways, including IGF-1 production, substrate utilization (fat vs. glucose), tissue repair signaling, and body composition. In practice, “optimizing the axis” is not about chasing a number—it’s about aligning symptoms, labs, and measurable outcomes with safe physiology.

Bowery Clinic’s protocols emphasize:

• careful candidate selection
• baseline + follow-up lab monitoring (including IGF-1 and metabolic markers)
• conservative titration
• clear stop rules if risk outweighs benefit

Tesamorelin: the most clinically defined option in this category

Tesamorelin has the most established clinical profile among GH-axis peptides. It is FDA-approved (as EGRIFTA / EGRIFTA WR) for reduction of excess abdominal fat (visceral adipose tissue) in HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy, with important limitations (not indicated for weight loss; long-term cardiovascular safety has not been established).

Key clinical evidence

1. Visceral fat reduction and cardio-metabolic markers (HIV lipodystrophy)

A multi-center randomized trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine reported that daily Tesamorelin over 26 weeks reduced visceral by roughly 20% and improved lipid measures in HIV-infected patients with central fat accumulation.

2. Visceral fat reduction and metabolic/endocrine associations

Further work in Clinical Infectious Diseases examined how visceral adipose tissue reduction relates to endocrine and metabolic changes during Tesamorelin therapy in HIV-associated abdominal adiposity.

3. Liver fat and ectopic fat (HIV populations; investigational context)

A JAMA study evaluated effects of Tesamorelin on visceral and liver fat in HIV, supporting a broader scientific discussion of ectopic fat changes when endogenous pulsatile GH is increased.

A randomized, double-blind multicenter trial in Lancet HIV reported reductions in hepatic fat fraction in HIV-associated NAFLD, positioning tesamorelin as a studied (though not universally labeled) option in a complex metabolic subgroup.

How Bowery frames Tesamorelin for patients: Tesamorelin is the most defined GH-axis peptide because it has an FDA-approved indication, standardized manufacturing in its approved products, and a deep published literature in specific populations.

Sermorelin: a clinically studied GHRH analog with a different regulatory history

Sermorelin is a synthetic fragment of GHRH (1–29). It was previously FDA-approved as Geref (including pediatric and diagnostic indications), but the branded product was discontinued and moved to the Orange Book’s discontinued drug product list; FDA later determined it was not withdrawn for safety or effectiveness reasons.

This regulatory history matters: it’s one reason Sermorelin is commonly encountered today via individualized compounding rather than as a currently marketed FDA-approved brand.

Key clinical evidence

1. Restoring GH/IGF-1 signalling in older adults (GHRH 1–29 analog studies)

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism evaluated long-term administration of a GHRH (1–29) analog in older men and women, reporting endocrine-metabolic effects consistent with stimulating the somatotropic axis.

2. Cognitive endpoints studied with GHRH (1–29 NH2)

Work published in JAMA Neurology discusses randomized clinical trials of GHRH (1–29 NH2) administration in older adults (including those with mild cognitive impairment), examining cognitive outcomes alongside somatotropic effects.

Related PubMed records describe a 6-month GHRH intervention in healthy older adults with cognition as a primary focus.

How Bowery frames Sermorelin for patients: Sermorelin is best considered a clinician-managed, individualized GH-axis support option where dosing, timing, and monitoring determine whether benefits emerge—and whether risk remains acceptable. Its evidence base is real, but the modern supply pathway often involves compounding, which makes clinic standards and sourcing discipline more important, not less.

Bowery Clinic’s clinical standard: outcomes first, physiology always

Bowery Clinic’s GH-axis programs are structured like medical care-not a trend:

• Physician oversight and documented goals (body composition, recovery, metabolic markers)
• Baseline evaluation and exclusion criteria
• Ongoing monitoring (IGF-1, fasting glucose/HbA1c as appropriate, lipids; additional labs case-by-case)
• Clear criteria for pausing or discontinuing therapy if adverse signals appear
• Transparent discussions of what is known, what is uncertain, and what is off-label vs on-label

Tesamorelin’s FDA labeling highlights important limitations.

Safety and suitability: who should be cautious

GH-axis modulation is not appropriate for everyone. These therapies require medical evaluation and monitoring. Patients with certain histories (for example, some malignancies or conditions where GH/IGF-1 elevation could be concerning) may not be candidates. Tesamorelin’s prescribing information includes specific warnings and limitations that must be reviewed with a clinician.

Availability

Bowery Clinic’s Tesamorelin and Sermorelin programs are available through clinician evaluation with a defined monitoring plan and outcome tracking. Candidates are assessed individually, with care plans tailored to history, labs, and goals.

To learn more or request a clinical consult, patients can contact Bowery Clinic for an intake and physician review. Bowery Clinic provides peptide telehealth services to patients in New York, Florida, Michigan, Arizona, Washington, Illinois, New Jersey, California, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.

Bowery Clinic works exclusively with licensed 503A compounding pharmacies to ensure every medication meets the highest safety, purity, and sterility standards. We do not use or endorse research-grade peptides in any form, as they are not manufactured for human use and lack the regulatory protections required for safe medical treatment.

About Bowery Clinic

Bowery Clinic is a concierge telehealth clinic offering physician-led, personalized care focused on metabolic health, recovery, and longevity. We provide peptide-based therapies for energy, inflammation, muscle recovery, cognition, and skin and hair health, all sourced from licensed pharmacies. For more information, visit boweryclinic.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. Tesamorelin has an FDA-approved indication for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Any other uses are considered off-label and should be evaluated by a licensed clinician based on an individual patient’s risk-benefit profile.

Media Contact

Peter Arian
members@boweryclinic.com

Seed Group, a company of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, has entered into a strategic partnership with Oongalee, a Canada‑founded fintech and hospitality technology company.

The partnership marks Oongalee’s official market entry into the UAE following its proven success in Canada, where it operates the country’s largest interactive tabletop media network across more than 400 restaurants and 14,000 screens, delivering over 20 million guest interactions annually. With the strategic support of Seed Group, Oongalee aims to position the UAE as the launching pad for its next phase of global growth.

Founded in 2019, Oongalee is a fintech‑based interactive restaurant assistant that combines purpose‑built tabletop hardware, integrated payments, media, and real‑time data to deliver measurable value directly at the table. The company caters to restaurant operators seeking increased efficiency and revenue optimisation, as well as advertisers and media planners looking to engage diners during extended visits. Its network generates over five billion annual impressions across more than 400 locations and is trusted by global advertisers.

"Oongalee’s approach introduces a practical layer of innovation to the hospitality and media landscape," commented Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum. "The platform’s ability to modernize table-side service while enabling targeted, measurable advertising reflects a thoughtful response to real operational and marketing challenges. We see clear value in solutions that improve efficiency for restaurants and provide brands with accountable engagement, aligning well with the UAE’s digitally driven economy."

"Canada validated our model and our technology, but the UAE is where our global vision accelerates," stated Karan Sareen, co‑founder and CEO of Oongalee (UAE). "Partnering with Seed Group gives us the strategic backing, credibility, and access needed to scale with impact. Our focus has always been on building technology that genuinely improves the guest experience while delivering real commercial value for operators. Bringing Oongalee to the UAE is a significant milestone as we work towards building the world’s largest interactive fintech‑powered media network."

The collaboration is set to advance the hospitality and out-of-home advertising sectors, reinforcing Dubai’s importance as a testbed for smart dining and media innovation. It also supports broader initiatives in the MENA region to enhance customer experiences, stimulate private-sector growth, and attract technology-led business models.

About Oongalee

Oongalee is building the world’s first connected hospitality platform, turning every table into intelligent infrastructure for media, AI, and commerce. Headquartered in Canada and expanding globally, Oongalee operates one of the world’s largest interactive hospitality media networks, combining patented hardware, proprietary software, and real-time data intelligence. The platform helps hospitality operators increase revenue, streamline service, and elevate guest experiences, while enabling brands to engage audiences through measurable, action-driven media. With a rapidly growing footprint across restaurants, entertainment venues, and high-traffic hospitality environments, Oongalee is redefining how physical spaces connect, monetize, and perform, powering the future of connected hospitality. For more information, visit oongalee.com. 

About Seed Group

For over 20 years, Seed Group has formed strategic alliances with leading global companies representing diverse regions and industries. These companies have propelled their business interests and goals in the Middle East and North Africa region through the support and strong base of regional connections of the Seed Group. The Group’s goal is to create mutually beneficial partnerships with multinational organizations and to accelerate their sustainable market entry and presence within the MENA region. Seed Group has been a key point in the success of all its partners in the region, helping them reach their target customers and accelerate their businesses. The Private Office was established by Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum to directly invest in or assist potential business opportunities in the region, which meet The Private Office’s criteria. For more information, visit seedgroup.com.

ECI Group (ECI) welcomes retired Ernst & Young Partner, Joseph King, to its Board of Managers, where he will also serve as Chairman of the firm's Audit Committee.

"ECI is excited to welcome Joe King to our Board, where we will welcome not only his skills as a 25-year partner at Ernst & Young, but also as a recognized leader in the business and philanthropic communities in Atlanta and in other major cities where he worked," said ECI Group CEO Seth R. Greenberg. "We are proud of the accomplishments of our Board and our team and know that Joe's values, professional insights, and experiences will complement us as we realize our goal as a best-in-class, fully integrated multifamily platform."

Joe King retired in 2025 after serving at Ernst & Young for almost 40 years, most recently as Senior Partner and a member of the firm's Professional Practice Group. King previously led the firm's Growth Markets Group and the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Programs. King began his career in 1987 in the firm's national offices in the Accounting Research department, where he did extensive research on corporate disclosures.

From 1993 to 1995, King was a resident at EY's National Accounting Group (New York), working on national and international accounting matters. King has also served some of the Southeast's largest technology clients throughout his career. King was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1987. King is a graduate of the Ernst & Young / Kellogg Graduate Program at Northwestern University and the EY/INSEAD Leadership Program. King is also an Eagle Scout and served on the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business Board of Governors, the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Parents Board at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Governing Board of the Cherokee Town and Country Club. He currently serves on the board of The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.

About ECI Group

For more than 50 years, ECI Group has been one of the most highly regarded, privately owned real estate organizations in the United States. The firm is fully integrated, with development, construction, investment, and property management groups that have garnered national recognition for innovation and performance in the multifamily industry. With a portfolio of more than 7,500 units located throughout the Southeast and Texas, ECI is strategically positioned to continue to be a leader in the multifamily industry. For more information, visit www.ecigroups.com.

Media Contact

Karen Widmayer
KW Communications, LLC
karenwidmayerpr@gmail.com
+1 301-661-1448

Pyrotecnico, the Pittsburgh-area, New Castle–based live events production company known for its 135-year legacy in fireworks, produced a custom drone light show during halftime of the Pittsburgh Steelers' Monday Night Football playoff game at Acrisure Stadium on January 12.

The halftime drone show celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Terrible Towel, one of the most iconic symbols in professional sports. Featuring 600 drones, the aerial performance lit up the sky above the south end of the stadium.

Designed to honor the history and cultural impact of the Terrible Towel, the show featured Steelers branding, marquee plays, imagery honoring broadcaster Myron Cope, and visuals tracing the towel's legacy from its origins to its enduring place in Steelers Nation. The synchronized soundtrack included music, iconic game calls, and Myron Cope's original explanation of the Terrible Towel, creating an immersive, emotional experience for fans in the stadium and watching nationwide.

"This show was about more than technology, it was about storytelling," said Rocco Vitale, President of Pyrotecnico and sister company Live Events. "The Terrible Towel represents pride, tradition, and community. Our goal was to bring that story to life in a new way while honoring everything it stands for."

The production reflects Pyrotecnico's continued expansion beyond fireworks and traditional special effects. Over the past year, the company has significantly invested in its drone light show capabilities, operating its own proprietary fleet of drones and managing every aspect of production in-house: from creative concept and animation design to flight execution and post-show teardown.

With deep experience in professional sports environments, including five consecutive years providing pyrotechnics for the Super Bowl, Pyrotecnico is uniquely equipped to deliver complex, high-profile productions under the demands of live broadcast and packed stadiums.

As a locally rooted company with locations across the country, Pyrotecnico's role in the Steelers' playoff halftime show underscores its evolution into a full-scale live events production partner alongside Live Events, while staying true to its Pittsburgh-area heritage.

"For us, producing this show in our home region — celebrating a symbol that means so much to Pittsburgh — was especially meaningful," added Vitale. "It's a powerful example of how tradition and innovation can come together to create unforgettable moments."

About Pyrotecnico

Pyrotecnico brings five generations of experience and over 135 years of creating oohs and aahs for audiences of all sizes. Backed by imaginative and hardworking people, Pyrotecnico amplifies excitement with fireworks, drone light shows, and special effects for sports, festivals, touring, theme parks, colleges and universities, corporate and community celebrations nationwide.  With headquarters in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and additional locations across the U.S., Pyrotecnico serves clients coast to coast, powered by a dedicated team committed to bringing people together through the power of awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable events. For more information, visit pyrotecnico.com.

Media Contact

Jodi Dague
Director of Marketing
jd@liveevents.com
+1 724-612-5313

MediDrive, a leading US healthcare transport and logistics innovator specializing in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), today announced a strategic investment in SPRYT, the Irish health-tech company behind Asa, an award-winning AI receptionist platform improving patient access and attendance.

This investment reflects MediDrive's commitment to building the most intelligent, connected ecosystem in healthcare transport — one where scheduling care and getting to care happen seamlessly in a single experience. As MediDrive expands its national footprint and technology leadership in NEMT, SPRYT's AI platform provides a natural extension of that mission.

A Unified Experience: Scheduling Care and Scheduling Transport in One Step

Through this partnership, MediDrive's Transportation Management System will integrate directly with Asa, giving patients the ability to schedule and manage transportation — whether by car, shuttle, or non-emergency medical vehicle — at the same time they book their appointment.

For health systems, the combined solution drives measurable improvements: fewer missed appointments, streamlined operations, and stronger engagement across diverse patient populations.

For payers who provide transportation benefits, the integration of SPRYT and MediDrive delivers new levels of efficiency and visibility. By linking AI-driven appointment scheduling with automated ride coordination, payers gain:

• Higher appointment adherence, which improves outcomes and reduces avoidable downstream costs.
• More predictable utilization of transportation benefits, with fewer last-minute or unnecessary trip requests.
• Reduced administrative burden, as AI-driven communication and automated workflows replace manual outreach and scheduling.
• Improved member experience, especially for high-need and chronically ill populations who depend on reliable access to care.

With complete transparency across scheduling, communication, and ride logistics, payers can more effectively manage network performance and ensure their members receive the care they are entitled to.

"SPRYT has built one of the most compelling AI platforms in healthcare, redefining how patients connect with care," said Alan J. Murray, president and CEO of MediDrive. "Integrating our nationwide transport network with their AI engine creates a powerful opportunity to improve access to care at scale. Together, we can eliminate one of the biggest barriers in healthcare — getting patients to the appointments they've already said 'yes' to."

Global Momentum Backed by Proven Results

Asa has delivered significant impact across the seven National Health Service (NHS) regions of England, improving attendance by more than 160%. SPRYT is currently deploying its technology across major US health systems, with pilots underway in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and multiple European markets.

"MediDrive brings unmatched expertise in healthcare logistics and national-scale transportation," said Neill Dunwoody, co-founder and COO of SPRYT. "By combining our AI-powered engagement with MediDrive's transport capabilities, we're closing the gap between intention and attendance. This partnership completes the last mile of patient access."

SPRYT's platform currently supports more than 1.9 million patients and has earned top industry recognition, including Ireland's Overall National Enterprise Award 2025, HIMSS Pitchfest Winner, and UK MedTech Startup of the Year.

About MediDrive

MediDrive is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of Americans by providing compassionate, reliable transportation to medical appointments. Specializing in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), MediDrive combines advanced technology with exceptional service to address the complexities of patient transportation, a key social determinant of health. Serving Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and various healthcare provider programs nationwide, MediDrive is committed to delivering top-tier on-time performance and customer satisfaction through its AI-driven, scalable platform. For more information, visit medidrive.com. For current updates, follow MediDrive on LinkedIn. 

About SPRYT

SPRYT is a healthcare technology company headquartered in Ireland. Its AI receptionist, Asa, automates how patients book, reschedule, pay for, and manage medical appointments through WhatsApp, SMS, and other messaging channels — without apps, websites, or waiting on hold. Asa uses conversational AI, behavioral science, and predictive analytics to improve attendance, reduce admin time, and help the world show up to care. 

Media Contact

Jim Tenny
MediDrive
jim.tenny@medidrive.com
+1 917-520-3614

WellQor, one of the nation's largest multi-state psychology practices delivering care through telehealth, today announced its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of providing high-quality, clinically supervised mental health care. Founded as a clinician-led practice, WellQor has grown deliberately by prioritizing clinical oversight, therapist support, and measurable outcomes rather than rapid, volume-driven expansion.

Over the past decade, WellQor has earned consistently strong feedback from both patients and clinicians, including a 4.7 rating on Google, a 4.5 provider rating on Indeed, and a 4.9 rating on Glassdoor. These reviews reflect the organization's emphasis on continuity of care, clinical accountability, and a supportive professional culture.

"Teletherapy works best when it's treated as healthcare, not a marketplace," said David Schwam, CEO of WellQor Management. "From the beginning, we chose to build WellQor as a real psychology practice, with the clinical leadership, systems, and accountability needed to support both patients and clinicians."

A True Psychology Practice, Not a Platform

Unlike many widely advertised virtual therapy brands, WellQor operates as a multi-state psychology practice and employs its clinicians as W-2 employees rather than independent contractors. This structure enables consistent supervision, shared clinical standards, and continuity of care, while fostering collaboration and long-term clinician engagement.

WellQor invests heavily in its clinical workforce, including company-funded continuing education, regular group case consultation sessions with clinical leadership and peers, and Clinician Connect, a proprietary platform that supports real-time collaboration, consultation, and peer support across a fully remote workforce.

Clinical Oversight Embedded in Care

Each WellQor patient is supported by a team that includes a dedicated patient liaison, licensed psychotherapist and oversight from a doctoral-level Clinical Director. Clinical Directors are directly responsible for diagnostic accuracy, establishing medical necessity, developing and approving treatment plans, monitoring progress, and determining appropriate discharge criteria — bringing a level of accountability that is uncommon in virtual mental health care.

Measurable Outcomes

WellQor tracks patient progress using their proprietary WellQor Emotional Vitals™, a session-by-session outcomes measurement system embedded into care. Analysis of more than 3,800 patients shows that over 70% experience measurable improvement, with average symptom reductions of over 30% across anxiety, depression, stress, and anger-related conditions.

"These outcomes are the result of supported clinicians, consistent oversight, and treatment guided by data — not algorithms," said Dr. David Giella PsyD, Clinical Director.

About WellQor

WellQor is a national, multi-state psychology practice providing clinically supervised teletherapy services. Through a collaborative, team-based model and consistent outcomes measurement, WellQor delivers evidence-based mental health care that emphasizes accountability, continuity, and meaningful patient progress. Learn more at wellqor.com.

Media Contact

Ryan Thoms
rthoms@wellqor.com
+1 646-687-4619