Newsroom

Lucra, the leading social competition platform, today announced a strategic new partnership with GotGame, a gamified, video-based challenge platform for skill-based competitions designed to connect and inspire the next generation of athletes and creators. Through the integration, Lucra will power real-money tournaments and user-generated competitions directly within the GotGame mobile app, allowing users to join skill-based challenges for the chance to win cash, prizes, and community bragging rights.

This partnership marks another step in Lucra’s expansion across the digital media and gaming ecosystem. By integrating with GotGame’s fast-growing, TikTok-style experience, Lucra continues to demonstrate the flexibility of its technology to support cutting-edge use cases across emerging digital categories.

GotGame was built for a new generation of competitors who are underserved by traditional fitness apps and social media platforms. Unlike traditional fitness tools focused on limited sports or static training, GotGame offers a dynamic, video-first experience centered on competition, creativity, and community. By embedding Lucra, every GotGame challenge becomes a high-energy opportunity to win–seamlessly and securely.

“GotGame has built something electric—fun, fast, and creator-led,” said Dylan Robbins, CEO of Lucra. “With Lucra’s infrastructure natively powering play behind the scenes, GotGame can now deliver real-money competitions that match the energy of their community and deepen user engagement.”

With Lucra natively embedded in the GotGame app, users will be able to launch and join cash-enabled competitions directly from their challenge feeds—no friction, no app-switching. It’s a new way to build community, celebrate performance, and bring real value to the competitive content that athletes are already creating and consuming.

“Lucra was the clear choice for us,” said Brando Caveiro, CEO of GotGame. “Their technology gives us the flexibility to scale tournaments and cash challenges in a way that feels natural to our product and exciting for our users. Together, we’re building a home where tomorrow’s athletes can connect, compete, and get rewarded for showcasing their skills.”

By adding Lucra, GotGame is unlocking new monetization pathways and doubling down on its mission to reward and recognize human effort—providing a richer, more dynamic platform for athletes and creators.

With the integration launching soon, both companies are focused on delivering a next-gen competition experience that’s native to how athletes play, share, and engage in the digital era.

About Lucra

Lucra is the leading provider of social competition services, offering hospitality, entertainment, and media brands the ability to natively integrate competitive gameplay into their digital platforms. Clients like Five Iron Golf, Puttshack, Backyard Sports, Dave & Buster’s, TouchTunes, and more use Lucra’s white-label technology to power tournaments and challenges, build loyalty, and drive new revenue. Learn more at www.lucrasports.com.

About GotGame

GotGame is a gamified, video-challenge platform where users compete in short-form, skill-based challenges for real rewards, with submissions reviewed for fairness. The platform bridges the gap between traditional fitness apps and social media by fostering a performance-focused environment that celebrates creativity, talent, and competitive spirit. Learn more at www.gotgame.app.

Media Contact

Michael Madding
michael@lucrasports.com

Today, American Kratom Association (AKA) issued a formal policy advisory to the attorneys general in every state that has enacted a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), urging them to take immediate enforcement action against the unlawful sale of highly dangerous 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products that are misleadingly marketed as kratom.

This action comes in response to the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recommend that 7-OH be placed into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, citing overwhelming evidence of its opioid-like effects, high abuse potential, and serious risks to consumer safety.

“Let’s be clear: 7-OH is not kratom,” said Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association. “It is a chemically altered, synthetic opioid analogue that hijacks the reputation of natural kratom to sell highly addictive and dangerous products to unsuspecting consumers. These are not traditional botanical kratom products — they are designer opioids with a new label.”

7-OH Sellers Exploiting Public Confusion

The urgency of enforcement is amplified by recent reckless and disturbing communications from 7-OH product manufacturers, who are advising distributors not to remove these dangerous products from shelves despite the impending scheduling:

"100% no reason to take 7-OH off shelves. Watch sales soar after this. You couldn’t buy this kind of advertising!" — leading 7-OH manufacturer

This brazen statement shows the callous disregard of bad actors for public health and safety. It is a direct attempt to capitalize on regulatory confusion while putting lives at risk.

Every Sale Puts a Consumer at Risk

The FDA has confirmed that 7-OH acts as a full mu-opioid receptor agonist, producing effects more potent than morphine, including respiratory depression, dependence, withdrawal, and overdose. Yet, these products are being marketed and sold over the counter in gas stations, smoke shops, and online platforms under the misleading guise of being kratom.

“Every 7-OH sale is a public health time bomb. Consumers have no idea they’re buying a synthetic opioid, and the consequences can be fatal,” said Haddow. “State attorneys general must act immediately to enforce existing laws under the KCPA and remove these products from the market.”

KCPA Provides the Legal Tools

While several states have enacted the KCPA, products that exceed safe 7-OH thresholds — or contain synthetically derived 7-OH — are explicitly illegal based on consumer protection laws designed to protect consumers from marketing deception. The AKA advisory urges attorneys general to use their statutory authority to:

• launch targeted enforcement investigations.
• test suspect products for unlawful 7-OH content.
• seize products that violate KCPA restrictions.
• protect consumers with immediate public alerts.

Federal Action Must Be Reinforced at the State Level

With the DEA now considering the FDA’s scheduling recommendation, state action is more important than ever to protect consumers in the interim period.

“The FDA has done its job. Now it’s time for state enforcement agencies to do theirs. We are calling on every attorney general to step up and protect their citizens before any life is lost,” concluded Haddow.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

American Kratom Association (AKA) is a consumer-based, nonprofit organization, focused on furthering the latest science as guidance for kratom public policy. AKA works to give a voice to millions of Americans by fighting to protect their rights to access safe and natural kratom. For more information, visit americankratom.org and learn more at kratomanswers.org.

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
mhaddow@americankratom.org

Fast Fire Watch Company, a leading provider of dedicated fire watch guard and patrol services, today announces its continued growth and expansion as the number-one choice for fire security across the United States. With a proven record of compliance, expert personnel and rapid response, the company offers property owners, construction managers and special event planners a stress-free solution to urgent fire-safety needs.

Comprehensive Expertise and Nationwide Coverage

Headquartered in the U.S., Fast Fire Watch Company offers fully licensed fire watch guard services across all 50 states. Whether clients require protection at a bustling construction site, sensitive hot-work environments, maritime facilities or residential and commercial properties, the company's expansive, strategically deployed network of guards ensures that a trained professional is nearby—often on-site within three hours.

Backed by round-the-clock live dispatchers and GPS-tracked patrols, Fast Fire Watch Company offers:

• Prompt deployment of licensed fire watch guards
• Continuous on-site patrols and detailed fire-incident logging
• SLA-based safety coverage until permanent fire systems are operational
• Full compliance with nationwide OSHA and NFPA regulations
• 24/7 customer support and reporting, ensuring proactive communication

“Our mission is to remove the stress from fire watch,” said Noah Navarro, retired firefighter and CEO of Fast Fire Watch Company. “We provide peace of mind through fast dispatch, compliance and exceptional service. You can trust our team to protect people and property—day or night.”

Tailored Solutions for All Sectors

Fast Fire Watch Company offers specialized services based on the clients' unique requirements:

• Commercial Properties: Office buildings, apartment complexes, retail spaces and hospitality venues benefit from 24/7 monitoring to ensure uninterrupted safety and regulatory confidence.
• Construction Sites: Active building and renovation zones can be hotspots for ignitable materials, heavy machinery and temporary fire system downtimes. The firm’s guards are trained to recognize evolving site risks and record hourly fire patrols as required.
• Hot‑Work Operations: Welding, cutting, torching and other hot work pose elevated fire risks. Fast Fire Watch guards are trained to handle these scenarios and provide vigilant monitoring throughout the operation.
• Maritime & Industrial Facilities: Working in ports, vessels and offshore platforms demands strict compliance with OSHA and NFPA maritime standards. The company’s maritime-certified guards offer the highest level of safety protocol.
• Special Events & Dispensaries: When hosting one-off activities—like festivals, film shoots or retail activations—clients receive reliable yet adaptable fire watch coverage that aligns with event schedules and access requirements.

The company’s solutions are designed to support both short-term objectives—such as temporary downtime or permit compliance—and long-term contracts, including ongoing site monitoring and multi-location protection. Customized plans help meet unique client needs while maintaining cost-effectiveness and consistency.

Technology-Driven Accountability

Fast Fire Watch Company emphasizes transparent reporting and operational oversight. All guards carry GPS-enabled devices that track hourly checks and patrol routes, with patrol logs sent in real time so clients can access compliance data via a protected portal. This layered accountability ensures:

• Regular patrol verifications via geo-fencing
• Clear reporting of guard location and check times
• Maintainable logs suitable for fire marshal inspection
• Live communication lines between guards, dispatchers and clients

“By integrating technology with human oversight, we ensure clients receive not only reliable service but also measurable accountability and peace of mind,” explained COO Jane Miller. “Our GPS and patrol-logging system has become the gold standard for compliance and trust.”

Proven Track Record & Notable Clientele

With over 10,000 patrol completions, five years of primary operations and a 100% client satisfaction metric based on customer feedback, Fast Fire Watch Company continues to excel.

Corporate clients include Tesla, Cushman & Wakefield, EMCOR, Turner Construction, Avenue5 and others—underscoring the company’s ability to meet the high standards of major brands. Customer testimonials highlight the importance of responsiveness, professionalism and detailed reporting:

• “We appreciate your quick response and helping us in a time of need . . . Everything went well.” — Angila Ganiyu, Pedcor Management
• “Quick response and excellent follow-through. If needed, I will definitely call again.” — Cheryl Brown, Dunham Sports Complex
• “Commitment and dedication in keeping our residents . . . safe.” — Patricia Cooper, East Lake Management

Such feedback drives the company's continued expansion and holistic service delivery.

Simple, Stress-Free Onboarding

Starting a fire watch engagement is straightforward and fast. Fast Fire Watch Company’s proven three-step process ensures prompt, reliable protection:

1. Engage Dispatch: Clients connect via 1‑800‑899‑7524 or the online quote form. Live operators gather project details and outline costs.

2. Deploy a Guard: A trained fire watch guard arrives—typically within three hours—with all necessary tools and GPS activation for tracking.

3. Patrol & Report: The guard patrols per OSHA and NFPA standards, logs activity and maintains communication until the issue is resolved or fire systems are fully reinstated.

“We designed our operations around speed, compliance and clarity,” added COO Miller. “Clients want protection choices that don’t require micromanaging—and they get exactly that with our system.”

Careers & Training: Building a National Team

Fast Fire Watch Company invests in a consistent, professional workforce built on experience and training:

• Leadership includes veteran professionals, including retired firefighters with real-world fireground experience.
• Local guard teams undergo rigorous training, both in the classroom and in the field, aligned with OSHA and NFPA standards.
• Continuing education ensures all personnel stay current on safety regulations, checkpoint protocols and emergency response procedures.
• Local hiring and retention strategies create stable teams familiar with regional codes, environments and operational challenges.

Additionally, flexible employment options provide both part-time and full-time opportunities across the country—reinforcing the company’s local responsiveness.

Giving Back & Safety Advocacy

Fast Fire Watch Company is committed not only to protection but also to community awareness. The company regularly provides educational materials—such as fire watch procedure templates, log checklists and best-practice guides—available on its website.

It also publishes ongoing articles and insights on fire safety, risk management and compliance, helping clients stay informed about regulatory changes and safety improvements.

About Fast Fire Watch Company

Fast Fire Watch Company is America’s No. 1 provider of fire watch guard and patrol services. The company is dedicated to protecting a wide range of sectors—including commercial properties, construction sites, maritime operations, and public events—with seamless, stress-free coverage backed by licensed professionals, GPS-enabled reporting, and live customer support.

Founded by retired firefighter Noah Navarro, Fast Fire Watch Company combines real-world field experience with advanced safety protocols and technology to deliver responsive, reliable service anywhere in the United States.

For more information, visit fastfirewatchguards.com.

Media Contact

Fast Fire Watch Company
admin@fastfirewatchguards.com
+1 800-899-7524

RRA Capital, a Pheonix-based private real estate debt investment manager, today announced the final close of RRA Real Estate Debt Fund III at $224.3 million — the largest fundraise in the firm’s history.

With the close complete, Fund III is approaching the midpoint of its five-year term, with approximately one year of investment activity remaining before entering the two-year harvesting phase. The fund continues RRA’s strategy of originating short-term bridge loans for value-add and transitional commercial real estate assets across the U.S.

“This is an exciting milestone for our team and our investors,” said Marc Grayson, co-founder and president of RRA Capital. “The success of Fund III reflects growing demand for flexible capital solutions in today’s market and reinforces our position as a leading participant for middle-market bridge financing.”

Fund III attracted commitments from a diverse group of institutional investors — including pension funds, insurance companies, and university endowments — and is expected to deploy over $800 million of capital over the course of its five-year term.

“The closing of Fund III demonstrates optimism that values have bottomed out,” said Boots Dunlap, CEO and co-founder of RRA Capital. “It is expected to provide liquidity options for borrowers unable to qualify for DSCR-based refinances in today’s higher-rate environment, as well as flexible acquisition financing for buyers targeting distressed sellers.”

RRA Capital has originated over $2 billion in commercial real estate loans since inception, with a focus on multifamily, industrial, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and select office assets. The firm is headquartered in Phoenix and lends nationwide.

About RRA Capital

RRA Capital is a leading commercial real estate debt fund manager specializing in structured bridge financing for transitional properties nationwide. Since its founding in 2008, RRA has originated over $2 billion in loans, providing flexible capital solutions to value-add and opportunistic real estate investors.

The firm focuses on complex, time-sensitive transactions and offers customized structures that support property repositioning, lease-up strategies, and recapitalizations. With a disciplined investment approach and a proven track record through market cycles, RRA is a trusted partner to borrowers and institutional investors seeking performance, transparency, and alignment.

Learn more at www.rracapital.com.

Legal Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Offers are made only to verified accredited investors pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933 and are subject to final offering documentation.

Media Contact

Hallie White
hwhite@rracapital.com

Botanic Tonics today commended the Food and Drug Administration's announcement to recommend scheduling synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, calling the action a critical step toward protecting consumers from dangerous opioid-like substances masquerading as natural botanical products.

"The FDA's clear distinction between synthetic 7-OH concentrates and natural leaf kratom demonstrates the importance of science-based regulation," said Cameron Korehbandi, CEO of Botanic Tonics. "This action protects consumers while preserving access to the traditional botanical ingredients that millions of Americans rely on for their daily routines."

Natural Leaf Kratom vs. Synthetic 7-OH: The Critical Difference

Botanic Tonics has consistently advocated for regulations that distinguish between authentic kratom leaf products and synthetic derivatives. The company's feel free CLASSIC contains only natural leaf kratom with nearly undetectable levels of 7-OH, as confirmed by third-party laboratory analysis.

"Our products contain trace amounts of 7-OH that occur naturally during the traditional drying process — levels that are dramatically different from the concentrated synthetic products now under FDA scrutiny," explained Korehbandi. "The difference between natural leaf kratom and synthetic 7-OH concentrates represents a night and day distinction in terms of safety and consumer protection."

Supporting Evidence-Based Policy

The FDA's action aligns with Botanic Tonics' long-standing position opposing the sale of isolated 7-OH products. The company has consistently maintained that:

• Authentic kratom products do not contain 7-OH above 1% of the alkaloid fraction
• Products exceeding this threshold are likely adulterated with synthetic compounds
• The high opioid receptor affinity of concentrated 7-OH raises significant safety concerns

"We've been advocating for exactly this type of regulatory approach — one that protects consumers from synthetic derivatives while preserving access to traditional botanical ingredients with centuries of safe use," said Korehbandi.

Commitment to Consumer Protection and Transparency

Botanic Tonics manufactures all products in its FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, using only natural leaf kratom that undergoes rigorous testing for purity and potency. The company's recent clinical trial, published in the medical journal Cureus, demonstrated the safety profile of feel free CLASSIC when used as directed.

The company advocates for comprehensive regulatory standards that include:

• Clear definitions distinguishing kratom leaf from synthetic derivatives
• Banning synthesized kratom compounds
• Limiting naturally-occurring 7-OH content to 1%
• Implementing robust labeling standards with appropriate warnings
• Requiring vendor and product registration

Looking Forward

"Today's announcement validates our commitment to quality, transparency, and consumer education," concluded Korehbandi. "We will continue working with regulatory authorities and industry partners to ensure consumers have access to safe, properly regulated botanical products while protecting them from dangerous synthetic alternatives."

Botanic Tonics continues to invest in clinical research, quality control measures, and consumer education initiatives to support the responsible use of traditional botanicals.

About Botanic Tonics

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

Disclaimer

Consume responsibly. feel free CLASSIC is for adults 21 years of age and older only. To learn more, visit our Consumer Education page.

Media Contact

Botanic Tonics
media@botanictonics.com

BJMINING, a leading cloud mining platform, today announced its plan to transition all operations to 100% renewable energy by the end of 2025, enhancing security and sustainability in cryptocurrency mining. This initiative addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly practices amid the crypto market's $3 trillion valuation and positions BJMINING as a top trusted provider.

The transition involves partnerships with renewable energy providers to power over 60 data centers worldwide, reducing carbon emissions while maintaining 99.9% efficiency. This builds on BJMINING's existing green practices, where 90% of energy is already renewable, and integrates with AI-optimized mining for cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, DOGE, SOL, and XRP on BJMINING's platform.

"This move reinforces our commitment to sustainable innovation," said BJMINING's CEO William Thomas Margerison. "As regulations like EU MiCA evolve, we're ensuring users benefit from secure, green mining without hardware hassles."

BJMINING serves over 5 million users, offering flexible cloud mining contracts with daily settlements, zero barriers (including a $15 new user bonus), and top security from leading providers. For example, contracts include:

• WhatsMiner M50S+: $100 investment, 2 days, total revenue $106
• WhatsMiner M60S++: $600 investment, 7 days, total revenue $652.50
• Avalon Miner A1566: $1,200 investment, 15 days, total revenue $1,434
• And higher-tier options up to $173,000 with bonuses

These contracts feature automatic settlement, full principal return, and renewal options, with average ROIs of 120–150%, now further enhanced by the renewable energy shift for long-term sustainability.

With this announcement, BJMINING continues to lead in cloud mining, combining DeFi strategies and referral incentives to drive user growth.

About BJMINING

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in London, UK, BJMINING is a regulated cloud mining platform making cryptocurrency mining accessible, secure, and sustainable. Serving over 5 million users in 180+ countries, it operates 60+ data centers with green energy, supporting BTC, ETH, DOGE, XRP, USDT, SOL, and more. Contracts start at $100, with daily earnings, AI optimization, and zero hardware needs. Security includes EV-SSL encryption and 24/7 support. For details, visit bjmining.com.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

Media Contact

William Thomas Margerison
info@bjmining.com

Botanic Tonics applauds the FDA's targeted regulatory action announced July 29, 2025, against concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products.

We also seek to make our position clear and unequivocal following inaccurate media coverage that has confused consumers about the distinction between natural leaf kratom and synthetic concentrates.

The Daily Mail’s July 29, 2025 article about the FDA’s 7-OH announcement contains key factual inaccuracies that conflate two very different categories of products. By including Botanic Tonics’ product name and imagery alongside coverage of concentrated 7-OH substances facing potential federal scheduling, the article misrepresents both the nature of our offerings and the intent of the FDA’s action.

As FDA Commissioner Makary stated, the agency is “not focused on natural kratom leaf products,” which contain only “trace amounts” of 7-OH, in contrast to the “semisynthetic 7-OH extracts” used to make new and more potent formulations.

Botanic Tonics’ feel free CLASSIC is made solely from noble kava root and natural kratom leaf.

Misleading coverage like this not only spreads confusion in the marketplace but also risks undermining the FDA’s own efforts to distinguish between traditional plant-based products and synthetic derivatives.

About Botanic Tonics

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

Disclaimer

Consume responsibly. feel free CLASSIC is for adults 21 years of age and older only. To learn more, visit our Consumer Education page.

Media Contact

Botanic Tonics
media@botanictonics.com

Worksol Group, a leading European HR and recruitment company, today announced the launch of its Global Talent Expansion Strategy, aimed at delivering skilled labor from Asia and Latin America to companies across Europe. This bold initiative positions Worksol as a premier partner for employee leasing, temporary work, and staff leasing services across the continent, with a specific focus on sourcing employees from the Philippines, employees from Indonesia and employees from Colombia.

This announcement comes at a crucial moment, as Polish employers are struggling to meet growing demand for labor in key sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. Worksol Group CEO Michael Solecki, in his recent speech at the European Economic Congress 2025 in Katowice, emphasized the need for cross-border HR solutions, citing the need to simplify hiring mechanisms to support Poland's economic growth.

“We are not just looking for personnel for employers who urgently need them – we are looking 15 to 20 years into the future, said Solecki. "Our vision and strategy is to support Poland's economic growth. We believe that we are contributing to the prosperity of the Polish economy, because the smooth integration of the best specialists from countries with high potential, where labor markets meet the unmet needs of Poland and Europe for labor, is a good option for our country. However, of course, the first priority must be to meet the labor needs of our own citizens, and foreigners who want to make a positive contribution to the Polish economy via legal employment must undergo the necessary screening before their arrival so that Polish society remains safe and comfortable.”

The strategy includes a strengthened network of international recruitment hubs and new partnerships across Asia and Latin America. Worksol’s operations have already seen a significant increase in placements of employees from Asia, particularly employees from the Philippines and employees from Indonesia, and in recent months, an emerging demand for employees from Colombia, known for their strong work ethic and skills.

Founded in 2009, Worksol Group has established itself as a trusted partner in the recruitment industry, employee leasing, offering full-cycle HR services including staff leasing, temporary work, visa and relocation support, and workforce management. At the beginning of its activity, Worksol Group focused on providing employees from Ukraine, but over time and with dynamic changes in the Polish HR market, it expanded its services. The company operates in compliance with EU labor directives and has become a key player in mobilizing third-country workers to fill critical vacancies across Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond.

About Worksol Group

Worksol Group is a trusted international recruitment and HR solutions company headquartered in Kepno, Poland. Established in 2009, it specializes in sourcing, recruiting, and relocating skilled and unskilled workers from across the globe — particularly from Eastern Europe, Asia, and Latin America — to meet the labor market demands of employers across Poland and the European Union.

With over a decade of experience in the industry, Worksol Group has built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and efficient service delivery. It supports companies in industries such as manufacturing, construction, logistics, agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare.

For more information, visit worksol.pl.

Media Contact

S. Budim
marketing@worksol.pl

The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition today applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for recommending a scheduling action to control certain 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) opioid products under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

7-OH is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in only trace amounts in the kratom leaf. Yet, the 7-OH products being sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores across the country are not natural. Instead, they are the result of bad actors isolating that trace compound from the leaf and supercharging it into an addictive drug up to 30 times more potent than morphine.

This recommendation marks a major milestone in the federal government’s effort to curb the rise of Gas Station Heroin — an umbrella term for harmful substances that include high dose mitragynine isolates, 7-hydroxymitragynine isolates, tianeptine, nitrous oxide, and intoxicating hemp compounds — and prevent the next wave of the opioid epidemic.

“This FDA action is a tremendous step toward ending the Gas Station Heroin crisis that is robbing everyday Americans of their health,” said Dr. Nicole Avena, a Stop Gas Station Heroin board member and associate professor of neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (formerly, the Mount Sinai School of Medicine). “By moving to schedule 7-OH, the FDA has taken bold action to protect consumers from dangerous synthetic opioids.”

The FDA made it clear to distinguish that its action is targeted at concentrated 7-OH products and not at the natural kratom leaf, which has been used safely for centuries and remains outside the scope of this recommendation.

“This is a huge win for science, common sense, and consumers,” said Dr. Avena. “The FDA has drawn a clear line: 7-OH is an unapproved, dangerous opioid — not a dietary supplement. We now urge the DEA to act quickly to adopt the FDA’s recommendation and ensure 7-OH is scheduled without delay.”

As the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reviews the FDA’s recommendation, the coalition urges swift scheduling of 7-OH to protect families and communities across the country. Only then can we finally end the scourge of Gas Station Heroin in American communities.

To learn more about Stop Gas Station Heroin and its mission, navigate to stopgasstationheroin.com.

About Stop Gas Station Heroin

Stop Gas Station Heroin is a national coalition that aims to educate consumers about harmful synthetic drugs and advocate for smart regulation that distinguishes between legitimate, natural botanicals and dangerous, synthetic drugs, combined with enforcement of current federal laws around unapproved drugs. To learn more, navigate to stopgasstationheroin.com.

Media Contact

Media Contact
info@stopgasstationheroin.com

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today applauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for taking decisive action to protect public health by moving to schedule products that contain high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH or “7”). Scheduled drugs are those with a high potential for abuse, with no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

The announcement, made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, targets manipulated, high-potency, synthetic products like “7” that are opioids masquerading as dietary supplements and are being sold online and in smoke shops across the country.

The introduction of these products in the last two years has raised alarm among public health experts and responsible kratom advocates alike, who warn that these synthetic products pose a serious risk to consumers and undermine the safe, traditional use of kratom leaf.

“The Department of Health and Human Services is showing bold, science-driven leadership by taking aim at these rogue 7-OH products,” said Walker Gallman, legislative director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “Secretary Kennedy and Commissioner Makary deserve enormous credit for drawing a clear line between dangerous synthetics and the natural plant. This is a huge win for public health and for millions of Americans who responsibly use leaf kratom to improve their quality of life.”

HHS made clear that natural leaf kratom is not the target of this action. Federal officials have rightly distinguished between the traditionally used botanical with centuries of safe use and synthetic derivatives like “7,” which pose significant health risks due to their potency and opioid-like effects. This distinction is critical to protect public health while preserving access to natural kratom for the millions of Americans who use it safely and responsibly.

Today’s announcement follows FDA actions taken earlier this month. The FDA has already begun ramping up enforcement, issuing seven warning letters to manufacturers of 7-OH products. This action sets the stage for stronger measures ahead, including potential product seizures and civil penalties.

Today’s announcement also featured strong support from Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who has been an advocate for distinguishing natural leaf kratom from synthetic opioids, as well as powerful testimony from natural leaf kratom consumer Melody Woolf of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Woolf, a longtime advocate for natural kratom, described how natural kratom leaf helped her in her daily life but warned that synthetic 7-OH products represent a dangerous and misleading alternative.

“It was only the powdered kratom leaf that saved my life,” Woolf testified. “Now I’m seeing something very dangerous happen. 7-OH is being sold over the counter, and it’s not the plant. It’s concentrated and addictive. People think it’s kratom, but it’s not. And it’s dragging some back toward opioid use. 7-OH needs to be off the shelves.”

Gallman added, “Melody’s story is one of thousands. She represents what we’re fighting for—access to natural, responsibly regulated kratom. We applaud HHS for standing with consumers like her and protecting them from deceptive, dangerous knockoffs.”

The Global Kratom Coalition encourages HHS to work closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to move swiftly through the federal scheduling process for synthetically derived 7-hydroxymitragynine products. Coordinated action is essential to ensure these dangerous, highly concentrated substances are removed from the market before they can cause further harm. By partnering on enforcement and regulation, HHS and DEA can protect consumers while preserving access to safe, natural kratom leaf.

About Global Kratom Coalition

The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit globalkratomcoalition.org.

Media Contact

Patrick George
info@globalkratomcoalition.org
+1 916-202-1982

VIVAZEN, a leading natural wellness company, issued the following statement today commending the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for taking decisive action this week to protect consumers from the dangerous synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and to establish a clear regulatory distinction between adulterated products and natural kratom.

“As someone who has experienced the benefits of kratom firsthand, I’ve long been an advocate for ensuring that this important botanical is safely and responsibly available to customers. This is a milestone for consumer safety, scientific integrity, and public health,” said Steve Curtis, CEO of VIVAZEN. “We fully support the FDA and HHS in taking this courageous action in drawing a clear line between the naturally occurring alkaloids in kratom and the synthetic opioid-like compound 7-hydroxymitragynine. These are not the same substance, and conflating them has harmed consumers and held back meaningful botanical research. We further urge the agency to use the full extent of its power to immediately remove 7-OH products from store shelves.”

7-hydroxymitragynine, often produced by chemically oxidizing kratom’s primary alkaloid, mitragynine using industrial oxidants like bleach and pool shock, can be present at potent and dangerous concentrations in adulterated products that falsely claim to be “kratom.” In contrast, natural kratom leaves contain only trace amounts of 7-OH, if any, and have been safely used by millions of Americans.

VIVAZEN has long been at the forefront of science-first kratom formulation, ensuring all of its products are rigorously tested, contain no synthetic alkaloids, and comply with evolving state and federal safety standards.

“What’s happening now is the beginning of regulatory maturity,” said Curtis. “FDA’s own data now confirms the safety and tolerability of mitragynine at levels up to 140 mg. NIH-funded studies also show kratom enhances, rather than suppresses, respiratory activity, exactly the opposite of synthetic 7-OH. This bifurcation is necessary and overdue.”

VIVAZEN encourages the following actions by HHS and FDA:

• DEA scheduling of 7-hydroxymitragynine as a synthetic opioid with high abuse potential.
• National recall and enforcement actions against companies producing or selling 7-OH products masquerading as kratom.
• Removal of outdated FDA web content misrepresenting kratom and publication of new, science-based summaries reflecting peer-reviewed evidence.
• Establishment of a regulatory framework that distinguishes natural kratom from synthetic derivatives, aligning with standards for dietary botanicals.

“Consumers deserve clean, transparent, and trustworthy products,” Curtis added. “At VIVAZEN, we’ve built our brand on safety and integrity, and we welcome this renewed focus on scientific truth. We look forward to working with policymakers and regulators to protect the future of kratom and the millions who rely on it.”

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, and visit feelgreatbotanics.com.

Media Contact

Paloma Lehfeldt
press@vivazen.com

Botanicals for Better Health and Wellness (BBHW) and the Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) issued the following joint statement today, commending the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for taking decisive action to safeguard public health by targeting the synthetic opioid-like compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and formally distinguishing it from the natural botanical kratom. BBHW and SABER are publicly supporting this bifurcated regulatory approach as a “scientifically grounded step forward for consumer safety and botanical innovation.”

The announcement, on the morning of July 29, 2025, was delivered by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, signaling a coordinated federal response to the widespread sale of mislabeled and chemically altered products masquerading as kratom that pose significant health risks.

“This is a long-overdue correction,” said Dr. Paloma Lehfeldt, medical advisor to Botanicals for Better Health and Wellness (BBHW). “By clearly separating the natural botanical kratom from synthetic compounds like 7-hydroxymitragynine, which have been misleadingly marketed under the same name, federal agencies are addressing a major source of consumer confusion. These actions will protect consumers while preserving access to a culturally significant botanical with potential therapeutic value, while moving toward a more rational, evidence-informed regulatory approach.”

SABER, a coalition of scientists and educators advancing evidence-based botanical research, applauded the bifurcation of the botanical kratom from synthetic drugs like 7-OH. 7-hydroxymitragynine, a synthetic drug manufactured using industrial oxidizers, exhibits high opioid receptor affinity and has been linked to respiratory depression and toxicity. It is not found in natural kratom leaves at physiologically relevant levels. By contrast, kratom’s primary alkaloid, mitragynine, is a partial receptor agonist with low abuse potential, and recent FDA-funded studies have confirmed its favorable safety profile at doses up to 140 mg in healthy adults.

“For too long, the conversation around kratom has been polluted by bad actors and misinformation,” said Dr. Paula Brown, a member of the SABER steering committee and director of natural health and food products research at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). “FDA’s data now supports what scientists have known for years: kratom is not a narcotic, and 7-OH is not a natural constituent of the plant. Differentiating them is both scientifically necessary and ethically urgent.”

BBHW and SABER are calling on FDA to finalize the following actions:

• Immediate scheduling of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a dangerous synthetic with high abuse liability and no legitimate botanical role.
• Public health advisory and national recall for all products containing synthetic 7-OH or deceptively marketed as "enhanced kratom."
• Permanent removal of outdated and inaccurate kratom content from FDA.gov and replacement with balanced, peer-reviewed scientific information.
• Formal recognition of the sharp pharmacological distinction between natural kratom and synthetic analogs, in alignment with findings from NIH- and FDA-funded studies.

“This is what responsible botanical regulation looks like,” said Dr. Mary Hardy, MD, SABER steering committee member and integrative medicine researcher. “Science, not stigma, must guide public health policy.”

About Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER)

The Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research (SABER) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing scientific understanding, regulation, and safe access to botanicals. Through research partnerships, policy advocacy, and public education, SABER works to ensure that natural products are studied responsibly, used safely, and regulated appropriately.​ To learn more, visit www.saberscience.org.

Media Contact

Paloma Lehfeldt
info@saberscience.org

American Kratom Association (AKA) today applauded Secretary Robert Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary for their decisive and science-driven recommendation to classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This bold step is a critical milestone in protecting public health and consumer safety from dangerous synthetic products that masquerade as natural kratom.

“Secretary Kennedy and Commissioner Makary have shown exceptional leadership in confronting one of the most urgent public health threats related to mislabeled, manipulated psychoactive substances,” said Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association. “These 7-OH products are not kratom. They are chemically altered substances that carry potent opioid-like effects and pose an imminent threat to consumers. This move sends a clear and long-overdue message: the safety of the American public comes first.”

7-hydroxymitragynine is a metabolite — not a naturally occurring substance in the kratom plant — and occurs during the drying of kratom leaves at extremely low levels, typically less than 0.01%. However, unscrupulous manufacturers have exploited chemical manipulation to create concentrated 7-OH products that far exceed natural levels, creating high-potency, opioid-like effects that are addictive and potentially lethal. These products are often falsely marketed under the kratom name, misleading consumers and damaging the reputation of natural kratom, which has a vastly different safety profile.

The American Kratom Association has worked tirelessly to educate policymakers, regulators, and the public on the difference between natural kratom products and chemically manipulated 7-OH formulations. The AKA has advocated for state-based Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPA) to ban the sale of adulterated and dangerously enhanced products. This federal scheduling recommendation is a landmark development that supports those efforts and establishes a much-needed national framework to protect consumers.

“The FDA’s own research shows that natural kratom has a relatively low potential for abuse and may offer harm-reduction benefits when used responsibly,” Haddow continued. “It is the synthetic manipulation of 7-OH that has created the danger. The action by Secretary Kennedy and Commissioner Makary is not only scientifically justified, it is morally imperative.”

The AKA urges swift action by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to initiate the rule-making process to schedule synthetically manipulated 7-hydroxymitragynine and to make clear that such action does not impact the legal status of natural kratom or its primary alkaloids, mitragynine and unaltered 7-OH occurring within the plant matrix. The goal is to eliminate the threat posed by rogue products while preserving access to safe, regulated kratom.

“We look forward to working with federal agencies and state policymakers to ensure that safe access to natural kratom is protected, while these dangerous imposters are removed from the marketplace,” said Haddow.

Note: The FDA also released "Hiding in Plain Sight: 7-OH Products" to help educate the public.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

American Kratom Association (AKA) is a consumer-based, nonprofit organization, focused on furthering the latest science as guidance for kratom public policy. AKA works to give a voice to millions of Americans by fighting to protect their rights to access safe and natural kratom. For more information, visit americankratom.org and learn more at kratomanswers.org.

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
press@americankratom.org

Joyalukkas, one of the world’s largest jewellery retailers, has announced a landmark AED 500 million working capital facility provision through Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the MENAT region. This milestone agreement supports Joyalukkas’ long-term expansion plans across the GCC and key international markets including the UK, U.S., Canada, and Australia.

Structured to provide Joyalukkas with seamless and flexible access to capital, the bespoke deal highlights the retailer’s pioneering approach to global retail growth and underscores its longstanding relationship with Emirates NBD. The facility offers working capital on a revolving basis, enabling Joyalukkas to draw and repay funds as needed, thereby enhancing cost-efficiency and operational control.

Since 1987, Joyalukkas Jewellery has brought together artistry and precise design across 13 countries and over 10 million customers and  continues to strengthen its footprint across the globe, the AED 500 million facility ensures timely access to inventory financing and liquidity to support peak trading periods and supplier commitments. The deal is fully integrated with Emirates NBD’s advanced digital and trade platforms, offering Joyalukkas real-time visibility and convenience across its financial operations.

The agreement also signifies a deepening of the trust and strategic alignment between Joyalukkas and Emirates NBD. It reflects the jeweller's disciplined and forward-looking business model and further empowers its status as a global force in organized jewellery retail.

Joy Alukkas, Chairman of Joyalukkas Group, commented:

“This facility marks a significant milestone in our journey to expand Joyalukkas into key international markets including the UK, U.S., Canada, and Australia. Emirates NBD has been a trusted partner who understands the scale, ambition and discipline behind our global retail strategy. Structured with flexibility and foresight, this deal sets a new benchmark in the jewellery industry and reflects our pioneering approach to organized retailing. I sincerely thank the Emirates NBD team for their continued support and belief in our vision.”

Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, added:

“The provision of this working capital facility for Joyalukkas shows Emirates NBD’s agility and capability to develop sector-specific transactions that cater to the exact needs of our expansive and diverse ecosystem of clients. Designed to meet Joyalukkas’ strategic requirements, the deal emphasizes how Emirates NBD can deliver bespoke, digital-first, and customized credit solutions that empower leading companies and support both theirs, and the UAE’s, economic growth. As a value-added product, this AED 500 million facility will help to provide the long-term support Joyalukkas needs to drive ahead with its international expansion plans, empowered by swift access to a framework of carefully structured and flexible capital.”

With this facility, Joyalukkas is well-positioned to continue growing and setting global standards in jewellery retailing, backed by a robust and responsive financial framework from Emirates NBD.

About Joyalukkas

Joyalukkas is one of the world’s largest jewellery retail chains, with a presence in 13 countries and a customer base of over 10 million. Since its founding in 1987, the brand has become synonymous with trust, quality, and innovation in jewellery retailing. With a robust global footprint and a pioneering approach to organized retail, Joyalukkas continues to set benchmarks in design excellence, customer experience, and responsible business practices. For more information, visit www.joyalukkas.in.

About Emirates NBD

Emirates NBD is a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye) region. As a digital banking frontrunner, Emirates NBD provides a wide range of financial services across retail, wholesale, investment, and Islamic banking. The group is committed to supporting regional and international clients with tailored solutions, driven by innovation, strategic partnerships, and a vision to enable economic progress through banking excellence. To learn more, visit www.emiratesnbd.com.

Media Contact

Joy Alukkas
care@joyalukkas.com
+91 80 2512 7900

Aaron Alamary, the president of South Florida commercial parking management company TruPark, has been named as one of the 40 under 40 young leaders in parking by the National Parking Association (NPA), the industry’s leading trade association.

Alamary, 38, joined TruPark as president in June 2024, and has already had a significant impact on the organization from top to bottom. Prior to TruPark, he spent 15 years in various roles in real estate management and business operations, working on startups in real estate, home services and technology. Alamary has also previously worked in parking, having built and managed a commercial parking lot in Miami for tractor-trailers, dump trucks, and heavy machinery. The strategic insights forged over the course of this work experience has helped Alamary grow the company and expand its suite of services, culminating in this recognition from the NPA.

“I’m extremely grateful to the National Parking Association for this honor and for being included among such an accomplished group of young executives,” said Alamary. “More importantly, I am so proud that TruPark is being recognized for the hard work we do to deliver for and add value to our clients. Our team members are passionate and dedicated, and I am lucky to work with them every day.”

Alamary has significant experience leading high-value real estate projects and working closely with property owners and investors. This has helped TruPark effectively communicate the benefits of parking management and how leveraging parking can substantially enhance the value of real estate assets. TruPark currently focuses on Class-A Office buildings, and the company plans to expand into the hospitality and mixed-use sectors, along with increasing mobility service like shuttles and valet.

Since joining TruPark, Alamary has placed a primary focus on enhancing the company’s customer service, making it more responsive to the needs of customers who entrust TruPark with managing their parking facilities. In addition, Alamary has leveraged his technology background to implement solutions that allow TruPark to operate more efficiently while maintaining the personal touch and attention to detail the company is known for. 

TruPark currently operates eight facilities in South Florida, covering Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Some of the properties where TruPark provides parking management include trophy assets such as Citigroup Center, Northbridge Centre, Las Olas Square and the Boca Raton Innovation Campus.

NPA's 40 Under 40 – Class of 2025 full list can be found at weareparking.org/page/40Under40_2025.

About TruPark

At TruPark, we understand that parking management plays a crucial role in the success of commercial properties. Whether it’s a bustling retail center or a corporate office building, we deliver tailored parking solutions that enhance the daily experience for your tenants and visitors while optimizing your property’s revenue potential. We help commercial real estate owners and managers leverage opportunities and maximize their investment.

With years of experience in the Florida real estate market, we specialize in managing parking assets for a wide range of commercial properties. Our approach blends personalized service, innovative technology, and data-driven strategies to ensure efficient operations and seamless parking experiences. Find out more at truparkusa.com.

Media Contact

Matt Pressberg
matt@pressbergmedia.com

Cata-Kor, an innovation-driven supplement company behind the science-backed NAD+ Core formula, announced it has received the Alchemist Assured certification — a trusted signal of the company's quality, safety, and manufacturing integrity.

The Alchemist Assured certification, issued by botanical testing leader Alkemist Labs, is granted only to dietary supplement brands that meet stringent third-party criteria in purity, transparency, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The program helps consumers, retailers, and industry partners identify brands that meet high standards of quality and scientific integrity.

"In an industry where self-regulation is often the norm, this certification provides a rare level of external validation," said Alex Rahacheuski, quality control specialist at Cata-Kor. "Achieving the Alchemist Assured standard demonstrates our long-term commitment to clean science, full transparency, and customer trust."

To qualify for certification, Cata-Kor submitted its NAD+ Core supplement for independent lab analysis and a full compliance audit. The process required third-party testing to confirm ingredient identity, potency, and purity — ensuring that all components were accurately labeled and free from contaminants.

It also included transparent labeling practices, such as publishing consumer-friendly versions of lab results and Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to provide clarity on all active and inactive ingredients. In addition, the company retained full technical COAs from Alkemist Labs while making simplified summaries available to the public.

The NAD+ Core supplement, which has received Alchemist Assured certification, is designed to support cellular energy and longevity through Cata-Kor's proprietary LipoNAD+ delivery system — a lipid-based formulation engineered to bypass stomach breakdown and enhance absorption in the intestines. Cata-Kor's transparent approach and consistent scientific data were key to meeting certification standards.

"This milestone is not just symbolic. It gives us a major edge in a competitive, trust-sensitive market," added Rahacheuski.

The Alchemist Assured program is awarded selectively and serves as a trusted mark of scientific rigor and clean-label compliance. This certification is a critical step in Cata-Kor's long-term strategy to scale its science-driven product portfolio and enter regulated international markets. The company is currently preparing additional product launches and research collaborations aimed at advancing longevity and cellular health.

"This achievement is a cornerstone in our global growth strategy," Rahacheuski said. "We're not here to follow trends — we're here to raise the bar for science and transparency in wellness."

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new dietary supplements.

About Cata-Kor

Cata-Kor is a U.S.-based supplement company developing advanced nutraceutical technologies that target cellular health, healthy aging, and performance optimization. The company’s production and testing are fully located in the United States. Learn more at catakor.com.

Media Contact

Alex Rahacheuski
press@catakor.com

Guardrail Technologies, the pioneer behind the first and only all-in-one, enterprise-grade platform built to safeguard businesses from the growing risks of artificial intelligence, today announced that Todd Marlin, EY's former Global Forensic Technology & Innovation Leader, has been appointed CEO and board member.

Throughout his more than two-decade career as a forensic technology leader working with some of the world’s largest and most complex companies, Marlin has witnessed firsthand how unchecked technological advancements can expose organizations to significant risks, ranging from data breaches to ethical lapses. This perspective led him to the helm of Guardrail Technologies, where he is singularly motivated to empower people and businesses to harness the power of AI without sacrificing privacy, security, or control. With the addition of Marlin, a top expert in cybersecurity, data privacy, and AI risks, Guardrail Technologies can continue to expand its industry-leading protective suite.

“AI has the power to transform companies, but it also accelerates the risks tied to poorly controlled data and unchecked systems,” Marlin said. “I've seen how the erosion of control over information can dismantle trust, disrupt operations, and compromise even the strongest enterprises — sometimes putting them out of business. At Guardrail Technologies, we’re building the tools not just to mitigate those risks but to empower organizations to take full command. Privacy and security aren’t optional in the age of AI — they’re the foundation for ethical innovation.”

Joining Marlin in leading Guardrail Technologies’ next phase is Richard Sussman, the lead investor in Guardrail Technologies, who now assumes the role of executive chairman. As the co-founder of top-performing venture funds, Sussman has invested in over 225 startups, collectively valued at more than $11 billion. His latest endeavor, the Filter Fund, focuses on advancing the ethical and responsible use of AI, with Guardrail Technologies as its flagship investment. This commitment was shaped by Sussman’s experience developing and investing in technologies that he later realized can come at a significant societal cost, especially when privacy, security, and ethical considerations are overlooked in the name of shorter-term gains.

“Guardrail Technologies embodies my belief that we must create an ethical guardrail around AI if it is to benefit society and business alike,” said Sussman. “It’s the crown jewel of my portfolio.”

Guardrail Technologies also announced strategic additions to its leadership team, including Jeff Torello, who joins as chief technology officer. Bringing more than two decades of experience in AI, cybersecurity, and product innovation — and a history of leading high-performing teams and delivering cutting-edge solutions at Intel Corporation — Torello will drive Guardrail Technologies’ rapid product development, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of AI security technology. Hannah Miet also joins as chief marketing officer, a visionary marketer with a proven track record of growing global technology brands. She will spearhead Guardrail’s efforts to amplify its brand and communicate its unique value in the AI security space.

AI is rapidly becoming critical infrastructure. AI transformation is no longer a choice for businesses. But AI use is also something C-suite executives and boards can’t afford to get wrong. Current AI models often expose sensitive proprietary data to large language models that learn and inadvertently share confidential information. As a result, enterprise AI use exposes companies to catastrophic risks such as data leaks, IP theft, compliance failures, and more.

To make matters worse, traditional cybersecurity tools aren’t designed to handle the complexity or speed of AI, leaving many companies vulnerable to these reputational threats.

Fortunately, there is now a solution: Guardrail Technologies, the first comprehensive security platform built to allow companies to go fast with AI — without crashing. Guardrail Technologies’ Pro Platform™, its flagship solution, provides an independent Trust Layer™ of comprehensive security, privacy, and control tools that protect businesses against AI risks. This protective armor enables AI models to receive the necessary signals to perform their tasks, without providing access to confidential, sensitive data or trade secrets.

Guardrail Technologies’ ethos is “your data, your control, your terms,” Marlin says. By tailoring the security architecture, organizations using the Guardrail Pro Platform can define exactly who has access to sensitive information, ensuring critical assets remain in the right hands.

The company’s solutions provide algorithmic choice, allowing businesses to use AI tools that meet their unique needs while maintaining full oversight and compliance. Guardrail Technologies works with most major productivity suites and AI models, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Open AI and Anthropic. The company’s partnership with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure allows Guardrail Technologies to provide an independent Trust Layer for organizations globally.

Guardrail Technologies lets your company use AI, without being used by AI — so you stay in control.

About Guardrail Technologies

Guardrail Technologies is a leading enterprise security company built to protect organizations from the risks AI introduces — not with more AI, but with purpose-built, non-AI protective technology. Since 2023, Guardrail has empowered enterprises to take control over sensitive data, close compliance gaps, and prevent costly leaks before they happen as they adopt and use generative AI. Guardrail’s platform creates a transparent, enforceable Trust Layer™ — delivering real, customizable access controls so companies can define exactly who can access what, when, and how. We don’t believe AI can police itself. That’s why Guardrail exists: to deliver the defense modern enterprises need to secure their future, no matter how fast the technology evolves. To learn more, visit guardrail.tech.

Media Contact

Matt Pressberg
matt@pressbergmedia.com

A lawsuit filed today alleges that Roblox Corporation enabled the grooming, exploitation, kidnapping and rape of a 13-year-old girl by creating a “digital hunting ground” for predators while falsely marketing their platforms as safe for children.

The complaint, filed in Polk County Circuit Court by Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC and Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC, details how a predator used Roblox to gain access to, groom, and sexually abuse the young plaintiff in what attorneys describe as a preventable tragedy enabled by corporate negligence.

According to the lawsuit, Plaintiff is a 13-year-old child who was introduced to an adult predator on Roblox unbeknownst to her parents, groomed, and then kidnapped from her grandmother’s West Des Moine, Iowa home on May 24, 2025, trafficked across multiple states where she was repeatedly sexually abused and raped.

The complaint alleges this follows a well-documented pattern that the company was aware of but failed to prevent, despite having the technological means to do so.

"This case exposes how one of the world’s largest platforms deliberately chose profits over the safety of children,” said Martin D. Gould, Founding Partner of Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC. 

“Despite knowing their apps were hunting grounds for predators, Roblox continued to market themselves as a safe space for kids to learn while refusing to implement basic safety features. They had every tool necessary to prevent this abuse — age verification, effective parental controls, proper monitoring systems — but implementing these safeguards might have reduced their user engagement metrics, so they chose to leave children vulnerable instead.” said Gould.

“What happened to our client was every parent’s worst nightmare. Tragically, it was not an isolated incident on Roblox, but the predictable result of deliberate corporate choices that prioritized growth over child safety," said Steven L. Vanderporten, Partner at Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC

The lawsuit presents extensive evidence that Roblox was aware that predators were widespread across its gaming platform — which it has repeatedly professed was “designed for 8-18 year olds.” Roblox's own internal data shows reports of suspected child sexual exploitation jumped from 675 in 2019 to 13,316 in 2023. Multiple criminal cases have documented predators using Roblox to exploit children, while leaked internal documents revealed Roblox employees felt pressure to avoid safety measures that might reduce user engagement. Child safety organizations have repeatedly named both platforms to their "Dirty Dozen" lists of companies facilitating sexual exploitation.

Despite this knowledge, Roblox launched extensive marketing campaigns claiming their platform was safe. Roblox claimed "safety is in our DNA" and promised "cutting-edge technologies" to protect users, and assured parents of "zero-tolerance" for endangering children all while claiming safety was "at the core of everything we do." The complaint alleges this follows a well-documented pattern the company was aware of but failed to prevent, despite having the technological means to do so.

The complaint details how Roblox chose growth over child safety by refusing to implement basic protections. Failing to require age verification or effective parental controls, default settings allowing adults to easily contact children, and Roblox admitted to investors that it was ‘unable to prevent’ inappropriate interactions while publicly claiming otherwise. 

Co-lead counsel, Gary Klinger, Partner at Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC, emphasized the systemic nature of the companies’ failures: “These companies had the knowledge, technology, and resources to prevent this abuse, but chose not to act because it might hurt their user growth metrics. This isn't about one bad actor slipping through the cracks — it's about corporate policies that deliberately created the perfect conditions for predators to thrive. Roblox knew exactly how their platforms were being used to exploit children, they had the data showing thousands of incidents, yet they continued to market to parents with false promises of safety while maintaining the very features that enabled this abuse. Our client's life has been forever changed because these companies valued their stock prices more than her wellbeing."

The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages through eight counts including fraudulent misrepresentation, negligence, and strict liability claims. The lawsuit comes amid growing scrutiny of social media platforms' child safety practices and recent investigations revealing widespread exploitation on Roblox, including the discovery of hundreds of Roblox games themed around convicted criminals.

The Plaintiff is represented by Martin D. Gould, Michael R. Grieco, and Steven L. Vanderporten of Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC, Gary Klinger, Melissa Nafash, and Melida Maxson of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC, and J. Barton Goplerud of Shindler, Anderson, Goplerud & Weese, PC.

About Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC

Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley (SGGH) 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, SGGH attorneys have also worked with clients to fought 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 sgghlaw.com.

About Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC

For over 50 years, Milberg and its affiliates have been fighting to protect victims' rights and have recovered over $50 billion for clients. A pioneer in class action litigation, Milberg is widely recognized as a leader in defending the rights of victims of corporate wrongdoing.

Milberg is currently involved in some of the largest and most complex class action cases pending in the country and is particularly active in the field of Information Technology litigation. Over the past three years, Milberg has settled on a class-wide basis more than 50 class actions involving privacy violations in state and federal courts across the country as lead or co-lead counsel; no other plaintiffs’ class action firm in the country has settled and won court approval of more data breach and data privacy class actions during this period.

The firm has successfully brought forth cybersecurity-related claims against major corporations including Meta Platforms, Snap Inc. (Snapchat), Walmart, Bose, CVS, Facebook, Gannett Co., Advocate Aurora Health, Inc., Novant Health, Inc. and more — resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements.

Milberg is equally committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and exploitation seek justice. Milberg attorneys handle complex sexual abuse cases involving schools, juvenile detention facilities, religious institutions, healthcare providers, employers, and other entities that allowed abuse to occur.

Milberg is actively representing sexual abuse victims in cases against Expedia Group Inc. and Securitas Security Services USA Inc., real estate moguls Tal and Oren Alexander, and the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan.

More information about Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC can be found at milberg.com.

Media Contact

Lynn Smith
lynn@lynnsmithtv.com

Generative AI, the Search Generative Experience (SGE), and multimodal chatbots are changing the rules of the game for marketing departments. Visibility is increasingly created where traditional search engine optimization (SEO) meets artificial intelligence (AI): structured data feeds large language models, while AI-driven analysis reveals the next optimization move. Four owner-led digital service providers share how they're leveraging this paradigm shift for their clients in 2025.

MaxPruegner.com – “Websites That Make Instant Sense to AI”

“Imagine a website tailor-made for your business—optimized for search engines, user-friendly, and visually compelling,” says Max Prügner, founder and web designer at maxpruegner.com.

Prügner emphasizes that semantically clean websites provide the ideal training material for AI-powered search assistants. Businesses that already prioritize valid code, clear information architecture, and Core Web Vitals today will enjoy added visibility in tomorrow’s SGE results.

Suchhelden.de – “Your Best Salesperson Is a Strong Market Position”

"A solid market position is your most important salesperson," says André Hehemann, co-founder and managing director of SEO agency Suchhelden. The agency blends traditional on-page signals with AI-powered SEO audits and prompt-based content scoring. As part of its innovative KI SEO approach, ChatGPT and Gemini relevance tests are now directly integrated into keyword strategies to ensure maximum topical alignment and search intent coverage

Synatix.com – Performance Marketing Meets AI Automation

“We develop industry-leading technologies for performance marketing and turn pioneering ideas into powerful brands,” says Fabian Simon, managing director of Synatix.com, underlining the importance of innovation in online marketing.

Synatix uses proprietary AI models to automate campaign optimization: budgets and bidding strategies are dynamically adjusted in real time based on conversion signals from web and app analytics. In 2025, the company plans to launch its predictive bidding system as a SaaS product.

Sunset-Digital.com – AI Visibility as the New KPI

“More and more clients want to know how often their brand is mentioned by AI systems—we provide the monitoring and the roadmap to actively ‘get into AI’,” says Rainer Brosy, CEO of Sunset Digital.

Since the beginning of the year, Sunset Digital has seen a 40% increase in requests for AI mention audits. The Munich-based team combines entity tracking in OpenAI embeddings with classic brand monitoring to uncover potential for prompt engineering, knowledge graph entries, and structured data input.

BETTERTRUST: “Reputation and Public Relation is a Business Asset”

The consultants at BETTERTRUST, opens new tab support companies across the digital economy—from fintech and consumer tech to SaaS, mobility, and clean energy. The Berlin-based consultancy specializes in reputation and public relations management for innovation-driven, high-growth sectors. Whether it's navigating regulatory shifts, securing funding, or managing public scrutiny, BETTERTRUST helps clients stay in control of the narrative. "Reputation and public trust isn't built overnight—but it can be lost in one. Strategic PR is risk management in real time," says Dr. Christopher Runge, CEO at BETTERTRUST.

Looking Ahead to 2026 – From AI Content to AI Experiences

Experts predict that AI integration in marketing will shift from content optimization to AI-driven user experiences. Brands won’t just appear in search results—they’ll be present in AI agents as recommended products or shopping assistants. To be recognized as a reliable source by intelligent assistants, companies will need to further open up their data structures.

Conclusion: AI Will Soon Be Essential in Online Marketing and SEO

In 2025, SEO and AI will merge into a unified ecosystem: structured websites become input, while AI models act as analytical tools and distribution channels. Companies that strategically align both disciplines will secure reach—not only in traditional SERPs, but also in emerging AI-generated answer boxes.

Media Contact

Rainer Brosy
rb@sunset-digital.com

Lucra, the leading social competition platform, today announced the strategic appointment of Chris Stango as its new chief experience officer (CXO). Stango, renowned for his transformative product leadership at Barstool Sports and PrizePicks, brings more than 15 years of expertise of delivering best-in-class consumer experiences that leverage the power of gamification and social interaction.

In his new role at Lucra, Stango will spearhead the company’s mission to deliver best-in-class experiences through innovative, interactive products that serve an array of hospitality and entertainment brands. His appointment is a significant move for Lucra as it seeks to expand its footprint into new verticals and elevate its platform’s user experience to unmatched industry standards.

"Chris is a visionary product leader with an extraordinary track record of building and scaling multiple unicorn companies within our target audience," said Michael Madding, COO of Lucra. "His ability to deliver engaging, dynamic, and socially-driven products aligns perfectly with our ambition to define a new standard for competitive play within hospitality, entertainment, and online gaming. We're thrilled to have Chris join our leadership team and contribute significantly to our product, sales, marketing, and engineering efforts."

Stango’s professional journey includes impactful tenures as head of product at Barstool Sports and PrizePicks, where he successfully launched mobile-first, real-time, interactive gaming products that captivated millions of users. His deep understanding of audience behavior, data-driven product enhancements, free-to-play games, and commitment to superior design have consistently resulted in exponential user growth and increased monetization for his teams and partners.

At Lucra, Stango will focus on scaling the company's client and customer experience, optimizing user acquisition and retention, and pioneering new avenues of consumer interaction through digital competition. He will also play a critical role in defining and refining Lucra’s strategic partnerships, leveraging his extensive experience with both direct-to-consumer and B2B2C platforms. Lucra aims to further heighten the appeal of its offerings, especially in the hospitality & entertainment, online gaming, and sports industries, where it already enjoys strong partnerships with leading brands.

"Joining Lucra represents an exciting opportunity to shape the future of digital competition and entertainment," said Chris Stango. "Lucra has established itself as a unique innovator at the intersection of sports, gaming, and consumer engagement. I’m looking forward to accelerating our growth by delivering exceptional products that resonate deeply with users and create meaningful value for our partners."

Stango’s appointment underscores Lucra’s continued commitment to hiring industry-leading talent dedicated to redefining how people interact, compete, and experience entertainment. As Lucra continues its impressive growth trajectory, Stango's proven ability to blend consumer empathy, technical savvy, and strategic foresight positions the company for remarkable future success.

About Lucra

Lucra is the leading provider of social competition services, offering hospitality, entertainment, and media brands the ability to natively integrate competitive gameplay into their digital platforms. Clients like Five Iron Golf, Puttshack, Backyard Sports, Dave & Buster’s, TouchTunes, and more use Lucra’s white-label technology to power tournaments and challenges, build loyalty, and drive new revenue. Learn more at www.lucrasports.com.

Media Contact

Michael Madding
michael@lucrasports.com