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Lucra, the leading social competition platform, today announced a partnership with childrenʼs and family entertainment company Playground Productions, to integrate its white-label gamification software into the iconic Backyard Sports franchise. The collaboration will introduce free-to-play digital tournaments, enabling players across the United States to compete against others in the Backyard Sports community for the chance to win exclusive rewards.

The integration taps into the hunger for nostalgic, interpersonal experiences through a modern digital lens—making it even easier for players to build community and play socially. Whether itʼs challenging old friends or new ones through interactive tournaments, the addition of Lucra reinforces Backyard Sportsʼs mission to deliver accessible, family-friendly fun that transcends generations.

“The Backyard Sports are beloved games that truly shaped how many of us first connected over sports and everyday fun,ˮ said Dylan Robbins, CEO of Lucra. “Weʼre excited to partner with them to bring social competition to their fans in a new, digital-native way. This collaboration shows just how adaptable our platform is for partners looking to deepen engagement, reward loyal users, and build authentic communities through play.ˮ

For Backyard Sports, the partnership represents an investment in modern, behavior-driven customer engagement. By leveraging Lucraʼs technology, the franchise can reward players for participating in fun, social experiences that drive loyalty and ongoing connection with the brand.

“Lucraʼs technology aligns perfectly with our vision for Backyard Sportsʼ future in combining nostalgia with modern features that keep our fans coming back, and we look forward to continuing to deliver on our singular focus: our fans,ˮ said Lindsay Barnett, CEO of Playground Productions.

Through this partnership, Lucra continues its expansion into digital gaming and entertainment, demonstrating the flexibility of its technology to support a wide variety of applications and industries. By meeting gamers where they are, Lucra is rapidly growing its addressable market and broadening its brand appeal among digital-first audiences.

With launch planned in the coming months, both companies aim to deliver a best-in-class social competition layer that reminds everyone of the joy of competition and makes every game more meaningful and rewarding for players.

About Lucra

Lucra provides white-label gamification software that helps brands drive visitation, build customer loyalty, and unlock new revenue. Our technology encourages your users to engage in social tournaments, group play, and peer-to-peer challenges directly within your existing experience. We handle all payments, compliance, and risk management, allowing you to quickly implement our solution to drive more traffic, increase user engagement, and generate new revenue. Lucra powers gamification for top entertainment, hospitality, and consumer brands, including Dave & Buster's, Five Iron Golf, Puttshack, TouchTunes, Hollywood.com, and more. For more information, visit www.lucrasports.com.

About Playground Productions

Playground Productions is a children's and family company focused on making best-in-class film, television, digital media, and video games. By leveraging the top technology, talent, and character IP, Playground creates content that celebrates the joy of play for kids and kids at heart. Playground is best known for reviving the iconic Backyard Sports franchise and remastering classic titles like Backyard Baseball ‘97 and Backyard Baseball ‘01. Learn more at www.playground-productions.com.

Media Contact

Michael Madding
michael@lucrasports.com

The 17th Global Chinese Awards ceremony, titled "You Bring Charm to the World," sponsored by Guojiao 1573, concluded successfully tonight at the Phoenix Satellite TV headquarters in Beijing. The winners of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Special Tribute Award, and other major accolades shared their inspiring stories, celebrating Chinese excellence and honor.

Xu Wei, Chairman and CEO of Phoenix Satellite TV, said in his speech that the Global Chinese Awards has consistently documented the real journeys of Chinese people from a global perspective, exploring the cultural essence of the Chinese spirit and conveying the warmth and power of Chinese culture. He noted that this year's awardees embody unwavering self-motivation and a strong sense of unity among Chinese communities worldwide, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese culture.

Turing Award laureate Yao Qizhi, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dean of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences and the Institute of Artificial Intelligence at Tsinghua University, received the Global Chinese Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented by Xu Wei. In his remarks, Yao Qizhi stated, "I've been engaged in scientific research for over 50 years, and it's a fascinating and meaningful endeavor. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute even a small part to this great cause." He also expressed special thanks to his wife, Chu Feng, who was present at the ceremony, for her many years of support and companionship.

Renowned writer and producer Bai Xianyong, best known for the youth-edition Kunqu "The Peony Pavilion," was honored with the Global Chinese Awards Special Tribute Award. He entrusted Xiang Yong, a professor at the Peking University School of Arts and Dean of the Institute for Cultural Industries, to accept the award on his behalf. In a video message, Bai Xianyong said, "I call myself the 'captain of the Kunqu Opera volunteers,' but in reality, there is a large group of friends behind me who are passionate about preserving Chinese culture. They have been incredibly supportive and deeply involved. I accept this honor on behalf of the entire 'The Peony Pavilion' team."

Chen Qingquan, the first Hong Kong-based academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and distinguished chair professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, received a Global Chinese Award. The award was presented by He Xi, Chairman of China Power International Development Limited. Chen Qingquan said, "Future electric vehicles will become humanity's 'third space,' significantly improving our quality of life and well-being. Our work on electric vehicles is not only to benefit the Chinese people but also the entire world, for this generation and those to come.

Actor and singer Fei Xiang was presented with a Global Chinese Award by Chen Jianhui, Vice President of China News Service. In his acceptance speech, Fei Xiang shared, "I love the theme of the awards, 'You Bring Charm to the World,' because the value of every individual is connected to the world. Everyone contributes to making the world a better place." He concluded by expressing gratitude to the audiences who have supported and encouraged him over the years.

Xu Jingkun, a global sailor and the first Chinese person to complete the Vendée Globe solo non-stop round-the-world race, was presented with a Global Chinese Award by Tang Dongliang, Executive Vice General Manager of Luzhou Laojiao Co., Ltd. Xu Jingkun shared highlights of his journey with a few key numbers: 27,616 nautical miles sailed over 99 days and climbing the 29-meter mast three times in a single day. He became the 100th person to finish the race, often called the "Mount Everest of sailing." Reflecting on his achievement, he said, "Chinese navigation has never been absent from history, and new routes are never found by waiting."

The team of young builders of the Chinese Space Station received a Global Chinese Award. Yang Liwei, Deputy Chief Designer of the China Manned Space Program and national space hero, presented the award to eight representatives. Yang Liwei said, "The average age of the core team for the Chinese space station project is under 30. The future of China's space program belongs to the younger generation."

The Chinese national table tennis team was also honored with a Global Chinese Award, presented by Xu Zhengzhong, Chairman of Bauhinia Culture Group. The team's head coach, Li Sun, accepted the award on their behalf. Li Sun emphasized that the team's success reflects the combined efforts of multiple generations and that bringing glory to the nation has always been the shared dream and goal of Chinese table tennis players.

The "You Bring Charm to the World" Global Chinese Awards ceremony was initiated by the Phoenix Satellite TV Group in partnership with several Chinese-language media organizations at home and abroad. The event celebrates Chinese role models who have achieved outstanding success and global influence across diverse fields. Over the past decade, more than 100 exceptional Chinese individuals have been recognized at this event.

Media Contact

Cao Yuxuan
caoyuxuan@phoenixtv.com

iib East Africa has earned international recognition for its leadership in sustainable banking, securing three prestigious awards in 2025 from Euromoney, Global Finance and World Finance.

These accolades underscore iib East Africa’s unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, ethical banking practices, and inclusive economic development in the Horn of Africa.

On July 18, 2025, Euromoney named iib East Africa Djibouti’s Best Bank for ESG in its 2025 Awards for Excellence, reinforcing the bank’s role as a catalyst for impact-driven finance in one of Africa’s fastest-growing trade corridors.

On January 20, 2025, Global Finance named iib East Africa as the Best Sustainable Bank in its 2025 Sustainable Finance Awards, recognizing the bank’s integration of ESG principles into core operations, innovative green financing frameworks, and community-led climate initiatives.

On June 23, 2025, World Finance awarded iib East Africa the title of Most Sustainable Bank in Djibouti, commending its efforts to decarbonize lending portfolios, champion SME access to sustainable finance, and fund renewable infrastructure across the region.

After receiving the award, Papa Demba Diop, CEO iib East Africa stated, "These awards reflect our enduring commitment to creating long-term value not just for our shareholders, but for our communities and the planet. Sustainability is not a siloed function at iib - it is embedded in everything we do."

Sohail Sultan, chairman of iibGroup, stated, “These recognitions affirm our conviction that sustainable finance is not just responsible - it is resilient, strategic, and essential to long-term prosperity. At iibGroup, we view ESG as a fundamental pillar of stability, growth, and legacy across our markets.”

Operating at the intersection of sustainable finance and responsible development, iib East Africa continues to lead the market with bold initiatives including:

• Financing solar energy systems to reduce reliance on diesel and imported electricity
• Funding climate-resilient, energy-efficient housing for underserved communities
• Delivering ESG-aligned trade finance to SMEs driving food security and sustainable commerce
• Leading inclusive community initiatives like coastal and neighbourhood cleanups, and environmental awareness and engagement for marginalized groups

As the region navigates climate and development challenges, iib East Africa is redefining the role of banking in shaping a greener, more inclusive future.

About iib East Africa

iib East Africa is headquartered in Djibouti and is part of the Intercontinental Investment Bank, a purpose-driven banking group operating across key frontier markets. With a strong commitment to sustainability, ethical finance, and regional growth, iib delivers high-impact financial solutions that empower businesses, uplift communities, and preserve environmental capital. For more information, visit www.iibanks.com/eastafrica.

About iibGroup

iibGroup is a financial holding company with operations across the GCC, South Asia, East Africa (Ethiopia–Djibouti trade corridor and surrounding regions), West Africa (based in Cape Verde and primarily serving Portuguese-speaking African countries), and the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.iibanks.com.

Media Contact

Farah Sayeed
farah.sayeed@iibanks.com
+973 1711 6633

Unlisted, a real estate technology company on a mission to unlock the full potential of every home, is changing how people search for homes. 

Unlisted is a home discovery platform designed for modern buyers and owners. Rather than restricting the options to homes that are listed for sale, Unlisted is designed to help users find homes they love that aren't for sale yet. They can easily express interest in their favorite homes directly from the platform. Unlisted then handles outreach on behalf of the buyer, proactively notifying homeowners that someone admires their home and giving owners the option to respond if they choose. 

As a result, homeowners are able to collect a lead list of interested buyers, so that homeowners always understand their options and have a head start whenever they are ready to make a move.

“Traditional real estate platforms leave out a huge part of the picture,” said Samuel Pro, CTO at Unlisted. “We believe people should be able to explore homes and express interest based on what they want, not just what happens to be available.”

The platform also gives homeowners access to insights they wouldn’t find elsewhere. Unlisted gives a clearer sense of a home’s appeal and potential opportunities. Homeowners can also update photos and information so their home reflects its true character, not just outdated records.

Unlisted helps both sides of the real estate experience feel more informed and more connected. It’s a simpler, smarter way to explore what’s possible.

To learn more or start your search, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

About Unlisted

Unlisted unlocks the potential in homes that aren’t for sale—yet. The platform empowers buyers to join a Waitlist for homes they love, even if they’re not on the market. At the same time, homeowners build a private list of interested buyers, giving them a head start if and when they decide to sell. Unlisted also gives homeowners control over how their property is presented online, with a customizable profile that highlights the home’s best features and attracts more interest. With more time, more transparency, and more connection, Unlisted offers a more human way to explore real estate—one that leads to better outcomes for everyone. For more information, visit UnlistedHomes.com.

Media Contact

Sophia Jacomet
sophia@unlistedinc.com

American Kratom Association (AKA) is issuing a national consumer alert to warn consumers, retailers, and distributors of the serious health risks posed by products that contain dangerously high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) — a powerful, highly psychoactive compound that is not naturally present in kratom leaf in any meaningful amount. The warning letters appropriately include 7-OH + pseudoindoxyl products that are an enhanced manipulation of the naturally occurring kratom compounds.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued multiple warning letters to companies selling these adulterated and illegal products, making it unequivocally clear: 7-OH products are unsafe, misleadingly marketed, and violate federal law.

Why Consumers Should Be Concerned

• 7-OH is a full opioid receptor agonist, unlike natural kratom and other alkaloids found in it which act as partial agonists. This distinction makes 7-OH products more likely to cause respiratory depression, addiction, and overdose.
• High-dose 7-OH products are being sold under the false label of “kratom,” misleading consumers into thinking they are purchasing safe, natural kratom products.
• Scientific studies show that 7-OH is only present in kratom leaf in trace amounts—yet these products contain magnified concentrations, sometimes exceeding 100 mg per serving.
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and respected kratom scientists have repeatedly warned that these synthetic and semi-synthetic 7-OH products do not represent the natural kratom plant and carry a completely different safety profile.

Retailers and Manufacturers Beware

• These manipulated kratom compounds violate the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
• Risks of manufacturing, storing, or distributing 7-OH products include FDA enforcement actions including product seizures, fines, and injunctions
• Jeopardize consumer trust and public safety
• Increase exposure to high-risk product liability lawsuits for marketing products defined by the FDA as being highly dangerous
• Threaten the legal status of natural kratom products by confusing policymakers and the public with dangerous, misbranded products

The AKA applauds the FDA’s long-overdue action to protect consumers and remove these hazardous products from the marketplace. For years, AKA has advocated for commonsense regulations through state-level Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPAs) that clearly prohibit dangerous alkaloid manipulation, including limits on 7-OH to no more than 2% of total alkaloid content—a threshold that corresponds with less than 1 mg per serving.

What Consumers Can Do

• Check product labels: If the product contains “7-hydroxymitragynine” or “7-OH” in concentrations greater than 1 mg per serving, do not use it.
• Ask your vendors for certificates of analysis verifying the 7-OH content.
• Avoid products marketed as having euphoric, intoxicating, or opioid-like effects.
• Report suspected 7-OH products to your local health department or directly to the FDA.

Additional Resources

• FDA warning letters on 7-OH products: www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-issues-warning-letters-firms-marketing-products-containing-7-hydroxymitragynine
• Learn about safe kratom use and state-level KCPAs: KratomAnswers.org

The Bottom Line: If it’s not natural kratom, it’s not kratom.

• 7-OH products are dangerous, misleading, and illegal.
• The AKA urges every consumer to reject these products and calls on all vendors and retailers to stop selling them immediately.

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

ColdTrack, the leading provider of pick-and-pack, logistics, and purpose-built software for cold and frozen eCommerce brands, today announced the industry’s first and only 100% Pack Accuracy Guarantee™. This first-of-its-kind performance guarantee is a direct result of the company investing more than $10 million in technology and automation, including the development of ColdTrack Live, the company’s proprietary order management system (OMS) and shipping management platform. ColdTrack’s pick-and-pack operations are powered by an integrated third-party technology system provided by Deposco, a world-class, tech-enabled warehouse management system (WMS).

These advancements virtually error-proofed the company’s physical warehouse services, leading to exceptional operational performance, including 99.9% pack accuracy rates, representing a 67% year-over-year reduction in order errors. 

“We are committed to providing our partners with the highest level of service and reliability,” said Josh Abramson, CFO at ColdTrack. “Making a deliberate multi-million-dollar investment in our technology, which is powered by top-tier talent recruited from across the industry, has transformed our operations to enable unprecedented accuracy. Our pack accuracy guarantee is a testament to our tech-forward approach and the commitment of our team to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction.”

The 100% Pack Accuracy Guarantee enables ColdTrack to ensure complete accuracy for clients whose orders are picked-and-packed at ColdTrack facilities. If any errors occur, ColdTrack contractually agrees to reimburse its clients promptly for any affected packages.

After a vast search, ColdTrack selected Deposco as a WMS partner to enable the 100% Pack Accuracy Guarantee. The companies implemented a scan-based fulfillment flow that starts from the moment inventory is received: each pallet is scanned and key data is logged within its database, such as lot numbers and expiration dates, enabling the highest level of quality assurance and cost-effective First-Expiration, First-Out (FEFO) inventory management. On ColdTrack’s production room floor, order selectors are equipped with advanced wireless, Wi-Fi-enabled wrist computers that display pick lists and finger-mounted lasers that scan every item placed into each box. This order data, combined with shipment tracking numbers, provides unprecedented order-level traceability for each parcel delivered to a consumer’s home.

"In perishable fulfillment, order accuracy is the difference between a delighted customer and a costly, brand-damaging experience,” said Josh Lett, Senior Vice President of Professional Services at Deposco. “ColdTrack's investment in our WMS platform demonstrates their exceptional commitment to their customers' success. This investment delivers immediate value through error-proofed operations, white-glove expertise and support, and long-term dividends in customer satisfaction and retention — so brands can focus on growth rather than fulfillment worries at a time when operating expenses run high and consumer loyalty is never a given."

The company’s proprietary ColdTrack Live OMS software fills a void in the market with novel functionality previously unavailable to perishable shippers. One such feature is a weather-based coolant optimization algorithm that automatically adjusts coolant types and quantities based on the destination temperature of each parcel. ColdTrack Live also provides incredible benefits to ColdTrack’s warehouse team members by pushing all order logic upstream, resulting in the release of clean orders to the warehouse floor through Deposco’s WMS. This further reduces the likelihood of errors typically caused by manual adjustments on pick-and-pack assembly lines. 

“The combination of ColdTrack Live OMS and Deposco WMS has been phenomenal from a productivity and performance management standpoint,” said Margaret Szczykutowicz, VP of Fulfillment Operations at ColdTrack. “The level of precision data provided from Deposco allowed us to implement an incentive program to reward our top order selectors, boosting order accuracy rates by 40%.”

In addition to the vast order accuracy improvements, the company has also realized a 128% increase in order packing velocity, shipping deadline adherence of 99.9%, and inventory management accuracy of 99.8%.

The implementation of ColdTrack’s 100% Pack Accuracy Guarantee reinforces its position as an industry leader in cold chain logistics. By ensuring accurate and timely order fulfillment, ColdTrack empowers its clients to focus on their core business activities while maintaining customer trust and loyalty.

For a press kit, visit here.

About ColdTrack

ColdTrack is a leader in cold chain logistics and software, providing direct-to-consumer and direct-to-business brands with reliable and accurate fulfillment services for perishable products. ColdTrack guarantees 100% pick-and-pack performance from its facilities in New Jersey, Indiana, and California and provides discounted shipping rates with one-day ground shipping to 80% of the U.S. population. Our proprietary ColdTrack Live order management system (OMS) gives customers access to cartonization and coolant quantity logic, automatic claims handling, and real-time tools to monitor shipping exceptions and carrier on-time delivery performance. For more information, visit www.coldtrack.com.

About Deposco

Deposco’s supply chain software maps out your success, accelerates execution, and navigates your growth journey, driving unparalleled efficiency and cost savings. Our AI-powered platform delivers actionable insights across the entire supply chain — from planning to execution — adapting like a GPS to keep you on the optimal path. With the industry’s most extensive collection of pre-built integrations for rapid implementation, we help over 4,000 of the world’s fastest-growing retailers, 3PLs, DTC businesses, and brands navigate over 165 million consumer orders globally. Learn more at www.deposco.com.

Media Contact

Dwain Schenck, PRLab
+1 203-223-5230
dwain@prlab.co

Media Contact

Todd Craig, CMO at Deposco
tcraig@deposco.com

The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition is sounding the alarm after reviewing a new animal study commissioned by CBD American Shaman, a Missouri-based company that sells “7” products in stores across the country.

The study, which tested the effects of increasing doses of two lab-made substances — “7” (7-hydroxymitragynine) and “Pseudo” (mitragynine pseudoindoxyl) — was funded to support the company’s bid for FDA drug approval. But the research methods and results raise serious red flags for consumers of Gas Station Heroin.

First, a clear conflict of interest occurred in conducting this study: CBD American Shaman has been illegally selling 7 products as dietary supplements since 2022, and the research was released by Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART), a group with a financial stake in 7 and Pseudo products.

Second, the study suggests these drugs may be far more dangerous than their labels imply: CBD American Shaman tells consumers that 7.5 milligrams, or half a tablet, is a safe serving. But based on the study’s own data, that amount may be more than 25 times higher than what would be considered safe for human consumption.

Using standard FDA methods to translate the effects seen in dogs to humans, Stop Gas Station Heroin estimates that just 0.3 milligrams could cross the threshold for risk. Yet many consumers of these products are unknowingly ingesting significantly greater amounts. Moreover, the study points to clear risks of addiction and dependency with misuse.

“These are not natural products. They are chemically altered, unapproved pharmaceutical drugs being marketed as herbal remedies,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of Stop Gas Station Heroin. “You can’t just slap a ‘dietary supplement’ label on a drug and skip the safety trials.”

CBD American Shaman and other purveyors of Gas Station Heroin have marketed 7 and Pseudo products as supplements formulated to cure, treat, and mitigate disease — namely, chronic pain and opioid use disorder — even though the products have never been approved by the FDA for any medical use.

If companies like CBD American Shaman want to sell these substances legally, they must demonstrate the drugs’ safety and effectiveness through a rigorous series of clinical trials and submit the results to the FDA as part of the New Drug Approval process. Until then, Stop Gas Station Heroin is calling for the immediate removal of these synthetic street drugs from store shelves.

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

Colby Wilson
info@stopgasstationheroin.com

Brighthive, a leader in data infrastructure and artificial intelligence solutions, today proudly announced it has earned ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification, the world’s first international standard for AI management systems. This milestone demonstrates Brighthive’s deep commitment to responsible AI development and deployment, reinforcing trust with customers, regulators, and partners.

Published in December 2023, ISO/IEC 42001:2023 outlines rigorous requirements for establishing, implementing, and continuously improving an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS). It provides a trusted framework addressing ethical use, transparency, bias mitigation, accountability, and lifecycle governance of AI systems.

“Achieving ISO 42001 certification isn’t just a badge — it’s proof we are using AI deliberately, ethically, and safely,” said Suzanne El‑Moursi, co-founder and CEO of Brighthive. “Our customers rely on us not only to harness insights but to do so responsibly. This certification reassures them that every Brighthive platform deployment is governed under the most exacting international standards.”

Key highlights of Brighthive's ISO 42001 certification:

• Comprehensive AI governance: Policies, controls, and management processes that enforce explainability, bias detection, and accountability throughout the AI lifecycle
• Structured risk management: Formal risk assessments, AI impact evaluations, and continuous monitoring embedded into standard operating procedures
• Lifecycle oversight: Governance spanning data ingestion, model development, deployment, monitoring, and retirement — in line with PDCA (Plan‑Do‑Check‑Act) principles
• Third‑party assurance: Independent auditing confirming sustainable and compliant AI practices across the organization

Brighthive joins a growing group of forward‑looking organizations earning ISO 42001 certification — including industry titans such as Microsoft — demonstrating a collective movement toward robust AI governance.

What this means for Brighthive customers:

• Regulatory alignment: Supports compliance with emerging regulations such as the EU AI Act
• Trust & transparency: Enhances confidence among stakeholders with audit-ready practices and ethical use of AI
• Market differentiation: Demonstrates leadership in enterprise AI governance, setting BrightHive apart in a crowded field

About ISO/IEC 42001:2023

ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is an international standard issued jointly by ISO and IEC. It defines the requirements for an AI Management System (AIMS), enabling organizations of all sizes to manage AI ethically and responsibly across industries — including critical sectors like finance, healthcare, and government.

About Brighthive

Brighthive is an AI-powered enterprise data management and analysis platform, powering everyone across an enterprise with a full data management workflow. Powered by seven specialized data agents that work together seamlessly to manage all critical data management tasks — from ingestion, governance, querying and visualization — Brighthive equips every team inside the enterprise with a complete platform that mimics the technical capabilities of human data teams, empowering everyone in the enterprise to be self-servicing to visualize data insights faster and help companies transform work to be data informed work. To learn more, visit www.brighthive.ai.

Media Contact

Hello Brighthive
hello@brighthive.io

As demand grows in the travel industry for solutions that fill unsold inventory without discounts, NaviStone—trusted by top travel brands to drive bookings—is doubling down on this space with the addition of Lisa Ertmann as director of travel industry partnerships.

NaviStone helps marketers identify high-intent travelers and reach them at the exact moment they’re considering a trip. With real-time intent signals, precision audience modeling, and a white-glove strategic approach, brands are empowered to act faster, fill more inventory, and convert more guests while others are still reacting.

Ertmann brings more than 20 years of experience in the travel industry, with a background that spans both the travel advisor and supplier sides. She spent the last decade at Norwegian Cruise Line in a series of marketing and business development roles, building strong relationships and programs that delivered real value.

“What drew me to NaviStone was the company’s data-driven, transparent approach to marketing and the way it partners so closely with brands,” said Ertmann. “It’s not just a platform. It’s a partner in solving real problems with speed, strategy, and incremental results.”

In her new role, Ertmann will work closely with travel and hospitality brands and trade partners to convert intent into bookings, increase repeat visits, and optimize revenue. That might mean filling unsold inventory without relying on last-minute discounts, or targeting specific audiences who are browsing but not yet booking. Whatever the need, her focus will be helping brands turn consumer behavior into business growth faster.

“Lisa’s passion for travel, her deep industry knowledge, and her commitment to strong relationships make her the ideal leader to grow our presence in the travel space,” said Larry Kavanagh, CEO of NaviStone. “More importantly, she understands the urgent challenges travel marketers face today, like how to move inventory without margin erosion, and how NaviStone’s intent-first solutions can help solve them.”

As travel demand continues to grow, the challenge is no longer just getting seen. It’s getting remembered. Ertmann sees major opportunity in embracing both digital and physical channels, including one that’s experiencing a resurgence: direct mail.

“A well-crafted direct mail piece can really stand out while inboxes overflow and digital ads lose their impact,” she said. “It’s tangible, personal, and especially effective for connecting with travelers looking for their next adventure. With our ability today to model behavior and reach consumers in near real time, direct mail has reemerged as a powerful, strategic channel to drive bookings.”

At the core of NaviStone’s advantage is its ability to act as a true navigator that can help brands make sense of their data, define the right audience, and execute with speed. “I’ve worked with a lot of marketing platforms,” Ertmann said. “NaviStone gets it right because they use data to build stronger relationships and solve real problems, like unsold inventory, with precision and agility.”

With consumer expectations at an all-time high, NaviStone remains committed to helping travel and hospitality brands stay ahead. That means delivering solutions that are not just personalized, but purpose-built to elevate the guest experience. Not just fast, but effective at reaching the right guest with the right message and filling inventory. Ertmann’s hire reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering strategic, high-impact marketing solutions that drive results in an increasingly competitive market.

About NaviStone

NaviStone is a martech platform that unlocks and activates audiences brands are missing out on today. By combining website behavior with modeling, NaviStone enables marketers to deliver highly personalized media and messaging at the exact moment a consumer is considering a purchase. This approach increases return on marketing spend up to 70%.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, NaviStone is trusted by leading brands across travel, retail, home services, and more. The company has been recognized as a Best Employer in Ohio, a Best Places to Work in Cincinnati, and a TechOhio Startup Culture Award winner.

For more information, visit www.navistone.com.

Media Contact

Nikki Shenk
nshenk@navistone.com

Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC) today released a comprehensive white paper challenging recent claims that products containing isolated 7-hydroxymitragynine (also known as “7”) are safe for widespread, uncontrolled consumer use. The white paper, "Have '7' Products with 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) Been Proven to Be Safe?" directly refutes assertions made in a July 7 press release by the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART), which KCAC says misrepresented findings from a report HART itself commissioned from healthcare consulting firm Marwood Group.

KCAC Chair Dr. C. Michael White, Pharm.D., FCP, FCCP, FASHP, and Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Connecticut, issued a stark warning:

“It is dangerously misleading to suggest that 7 products are safe for public sale without medical oversight. Marwood Group’s own report, despite being commissioned by HART, clearly concludes that synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine is a potent opioid agonist with high abuse potential, rapid tolerance development, and physical dependence in animal models. HART’s attempt to erase key parts of the report after publication, including these risk statements, is an alarming act of public deception that endangers consumers.”

The KCAC white paper cites the following key concerns from the Marwood Group report that HART initially published and then quietly removed:

• Synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine is over 10 times more potent than morphine and acts on the same opioid receptors known to cause euphoria, addiction, and respiratory depression.
• Repeated use leads to rapid tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms, none of which are seen with the kratom leaf’s main alkaloid, mitragynine.
• No clinical trials exist demonstrating the safety or efficacy of synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine products for any medical condition.
• Marwood’s disclaimer clearly states that synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine should not be used to self-treat or self-diagnose, directly contradicting HART’s public promotion of these products.

The KCAC paper refutes Marwood Group’s assertion that 7-hydroxymitragynine has a lower risk of respiratory depression. They used a surrogate marker called beta-arrestin recruitment to say the risk was lower without looking at actual animal studies where breathing was assessed and shown to be depressed, just like with morphine. It also provides a balanced perspective on anecdotal experiences with 7 products where consumers report widespread recreational use for euphoria and suffering from severe addiction.  

“We’ve seen this playbook before, downplaying the risks of potent opioids while encouraging unregulated use. The opioid crisis of the 2000s began with similar false assurances,” said Dr. White. “We must not repeat history with synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine. These products must be evaluated through rigorous clinical trials and carefully controlled, not sold like candy at gas stations.”

The white paper also highlights KCAC’s support for the FDA’s July 15 warning letters against firms illegally marketing synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine products and making unsubstantiated medical claims.

KCAC calls on regulators, lawmakers, and the media to take a clear-eyed view of the risks posed by synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine products and urges a halt to the sale of these potent synthetic derivatives outside of clinical or research settings.

The full white paper, “Have ‘7’ Products with 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) Been Proven to Be Safe?” is available here.

About Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC)

Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC) is an independent board made up of a clinician-scientist and consumers that uses the strongest available evidence to produce position statements that promote evidence-based policy. The KCAC is supported by the Global Kratom Coalition which advocates for regulations that protect consumers and curbs the sale of adulterated or synthetic products falsely marketed as kratom. For more information, visit globalkratomcoalition.org/kcac.

Media Contact

Dr. C. Michael White
cwhite1@wm.com

The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition today commended the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for issuing warning letters to companies marketing "7" — a dangerous semi-synthetic alkaloid often disguised as a natural dietary supplement.

This action marks a critical step toward curbing the spread of "Gas Station Heroin" — a term used to describe a range of often imported lab-made substances that include tianeptine, nitrous oxide, semi-synthetic and synthetic alkaloid products, and intoxicating hemp products.  

7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is only naturally present in trace amounts in dried kratom leaves. Bad actors synthetically mass produce high-concentration, ultra-potent 7-OH isolates in tablets, capsules, powders, and gummies. These chemically manipulated products are misleadingly marketed as natural dietary supplements or food. In reality, they act like prescription opioids and not botanicals, posing serious health risks such as respiratory depression, addiction, and overdose. 

The FDA’s warning letters underscore what scientists and public health experts have long known: Gas Station Heroin products are not supplements. They are unapproved, mislabeled street drugs designed to mimic the effects of opioids and other narcotics.

As the FDA notes, Gas Station Heroin products are often aggressively advertised online and in retail locations with deceptive claims about their safety and effectiveness, particularly to individuals seeking to get high or prescription alternatives for pain relief, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal.

Stop Gas Station Heroin applauds the FDA for using its enforcement authority to hold these illicit companies accountable and to protect American consumers from the growing threat posed by synthetic drugs.

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

Colby Wilson
info@stopgasstationheroin.com

The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition today commended the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations for unanimously approving the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

This Senate funding bill and its House counterpart, approved in committee last month, show bipartisan support for closing the unregulated, intoxicating hemp loophole — correcting a legal gray area created by the 2018 Farm Bill and slowing the spread of Gas Station Heroin in American communities.

"Gas Station Heroin" refers to a range of foreign lab-made synthetic substances that include tianeptine, nitrous oxide, semi-synthetic and synthetic alkaloid products, and intoxicating hemp products such as Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, and HHC. At issue here is this latter category of intoxicating hemp and its legal definition.

According to the 2018 Farm Bill, the federal government classifies hemp as cannabis and its derivatives with no more than 0.3% Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry weight basis. Delta-9-THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, responsible for the euphoric high associated with marijuana use. 

Critically, the Senate funding bill would decrease the delta-9-THC limit for hemp-derived products to zero. The government’s current definition of hemp permits the manufacture and distribution of products containing non-delta-9 intoxicating cannabinoids — including delta-8, delta-10, and HHC — as long as their delta-9 content remains below the statutory threshold.

The narrow standards of the 2018 Farm Bill have resulted in a regulatory loophole exploited by manufacturers and retailers of intoxicating, hemp-derived products sold in convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops across the country.  

These chemically altered, highly concentrated products are concocted with imported extracts from overseas labs and rake in significant revenue for the international Gas Station Heroin syndicate, a multi-billion-dollar enterprise exploiting legal loopholes to drive addiction and profit while endangering Americans.

The Senate funding bill restores the original intent of the 2018 Farm Bill, which was never meant to create a loophole for synthetic THC, while protecting legitimate hemp farmers from rogue actors flooding the market with lab-made Gas Station Heroin.

Moreover, the bill would mark the most consequential federal intervention in cannabinoid policy in years, preempting and superseding a growing patchwork of state laws by establishing a uniform federal prohibition on synthetically manipulated and intoxicating hemp derivatives.

This important legislation underscores that natural botanicals are not the same as harmful synthetic substances. Although whole plant products have been used safely for centuries, bad actors are now isolating basic compounds from plants and chemically altering them in labs to create hyper-potent drugs that are poisoning consumers.

Stop Gas Station Heroin applauds Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee John Hoeven, and Senator Mitch McConnell for their leadership in combating the Gas Station Heroin crisis by seeking to close the hemp loophole.

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

Colby Wilson
info@stopgasstationheroin.com

EIOTCLUB, a Seattle-based leader in IoT connectivity, announces the launch of its advanced eSIM designed to deliver instant online activation, multi-network access, and borderless coverage for enterprise and individual users.

This new global eSIM solution eliminates the hassle of physical SIM cards by enabling users to activate their plan within minutes and connect in over 200 countries and regions.

With flexible prepaid plans ranging from 30 to 360 days, EIOTCLUB’s eSIM starts at just $5. It’s a great fit for both short-term travelers and long-term users who need flexible, reliable data — from vacations to remote work.

EIOTCLUB’s eSIM connects to the best local network automatically in every country it covers—no roaming fees. You can keep your original number to receive texts and verification codes as usual, while the eSIM adds reliable local data wherever you go. It’s a simple way to stay connected during international travel without changing how you use your phone.

EIOTCLUB’s travel eSIM offers a seamless solution for staying connected while abroad—perfect for business travelers, tourists, students, and remote workers alike. With support for 4G and 5G networks, it delivers strong performance in areas with reliable cellular coverage, making it a great fit for most urban, suburban, and well-covered rural regions.

What sets EIOTCLUB apart is its focus on simplicity and control. From the moment you purchase your eSIM online, setup is effortless—just scan a QR code to activate, with no shipping delays or physical SIM cards to worry about. This hassle-free “Scan-to-Start” experience means you can be up and running in minutes, no matter where you are.

Managing your plan is just as straightforward. EIOTCLUB’s intuitive mobile app puts everything at your fingertips—track data usage, top up your balance, or update billing preferences with just a few taps. This level of ease empowers users to stay in control of their connectivity, even while on the move.

Behind this user-friendly experience is a flexible, transparent Pay-as-You-Go model that helps eliminate unexpected roaming fees. Whether you're checking into a hotel in Tokyo or working from a café in Lisbon, you know exactly what you're paying for—nothing more.

EIOTCLUB is also built for long-term convenience. With partnerships across more than 100 leading IoT hardware manufacturers, its connectivity solutions are increasingly integrated directly into smart devices, providing reliable service without the need for constant manual setup.

It’s no surprise, then, that over 2.58 million users worldwide trust EIOTCLUB to keep them connected across borders. The combination of affordability, broad compatibility, and automatic network switching creates a reliable, stress-free experience wherever life takes them.

The new global eSIM is available now. Users can explore plan options, check device compatibility, and activate their prepaid eSIM instantly through the company’s official website.

To take advantage of eSIM technology, devices like smartphones or tablets must be equipped with a built-in eSIM chip module (eUICC). However, many older models—such as those running Android 9 or earlier—lack this capability. To bridge this gap and extend eSIM benefits to a broader range of users, EIOTCLUB developed a Physical eSIM Card that includes an integrated eUICC chip. When inserted into a compatible device, it functions just like a native eSIM, allowing users to download and manage eSIM profiles without needing hardware upgrades.

This innovative solution not only makes global connectivity more accessible for individual users but also offers significant advantages for businesses managing large-scale IoT deployments. With compatibility across 95% of global hardware, including industrial routers, GPS trackers, and remote monitoring equipment, the Physical eSIM Card enables seamless plug-and-play integration. Industries such as security monitoring, smart vehicles, wearables, drones, and robotics benefit from reduced setup costs, minimal downtime, and reliable connectivity—helping them stay focused on performance without worrying about infrastructure limitations.

For more information on how to stay connected with a reliable eSIM solution, visit EIOTCLUB's website and follow EIOTCLUB on Facebook, Instagram (@eiotclubofficial), YouTube, and TikTok (@eiotclub).

Join the growing community that counts on EIOTCLUB to make IoT and global connectivity simpler than ever before.

About EIOTCLUB

EIOTCLUB is a Seattle-based leading mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) specializing in IoT connectivity solutions that serve more than 2.5 million users worldwide. From industrial-grade SIMs and eSIM solutions to rugged devices and satellite support, EIOTCLUB partners with top hardware manufacturers to make the IoT easier, more reliable, and ready for the future. For more information, visit www.eiotclub.com.

Media Contact

Casso Cheung
business@eiotclub.com

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) today applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for issuing warning letters to firms marketing “7,” a potent and dangerous novel product that is being illegally sold across the country. (See FDA press release here).

This decisive action by the FDA draws a much-needed line between responsibly used, traditionally consumed kratom leaf and the synthetic or highly concentrated products, like 7, that pose a clear threat to public health.

“The FDA’s move is a critical step in protecting consumers,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “We have long warned that products like 7 are driving harm and putting lives at risk. The FDA's action sends a clear message: these dangerous products have no place in the marketplace.”

While 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a naturally occurring alkaloid in kratom leaf, it is present only in trace amounts in its natural state. The products targeted by the FDA are chemically manipulated to contain dangerously high levels of semi-synthetic 7-OH, significantly increasing the potential for harm. These products have been linked to serious adverse events and are highly addictive.

The Global Kratom Coalition supports rigorous enforcement against these deceptive and harmful products and urges lawmakers and regulators to distinguish clearly between natural kratom and synthetic or adulterated substances.

“The future of kratom depends on responsible regulation,” Lowe added. “We commend the FDA for taking action today and urge continued vigilance in order to protect consumers.”

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

Charleston Literary Festival has announced the Charleston Literary Festival Cato Fellowship Prize is returning for its second year and applications are now open.

After last year’s success with over 140 applicants and two esteemed winners—one of whom went on to win the prestigious American Mosaic Journalism Prize and one whose work was selected to be a part of an elite international exhibit for artists and writers—the Charleston Literary Festival Cato Fellowship Prize is back for another dynamic year.

The mission of the prize is to support and nurture emerging voices in North Carolina and South Carolina. Charleston Literary Festival team and board are excited to see this year's exceptional applicants. Applications are now open and will close on August 25—applicants can apply via the festival’s website.

The Cato Fellowship Prize will be awarded to two people in October 2025—writers of fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry are encouraged to apply.

During this year’s Charleston Literary Festival, running from November 7–16, 2025, the two winning fellows will receive full access to Charleston Literary Festival’s author conversations and receptions, free accommodations in downtown Charleston, networking and collaborative opportunities beyond the festival, a dedicated festival session to showcase their work, and a stipendiary of $7,500 each to allow them to further their writing career as they see fit.

Marion Cato, philanthropist and author, shared her happiness in the results of the first year of the program, “I am thrilled that so many gifted writers are interested in the Cato Fellowship Prize. I am confident that the experience encourages the creative process of the talented Fellows. It is gratifying to be able to help provide the opportunity for gifted writers each year.”

A long-time advocate for education, the late Wayland H. Cato Jr. had a lifelong passion for reading and learning. The Catos believe that the world would be a better place if exceptional writers were nurtured and encouraged.

“Thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Wayland Cato, we are so excited for the second year of the Charleston Literary Festival Cato Fellowship Prize. The Fellowship is a testament to the immense talent across the South. We are excited to bring two emerging writers to the festival again this year to attend transformative conversations and further their own craft," said Sara Peck, director of the Cato Fellowship Prize.

Charleston Literary Festival’s mission is to bring authors and audiences together to experience the transformative power of great literature, ideas, and creativity. The Cato Fellowship Prize reflects the importance of literature and the urgency to support it by fostering the next generation of writers in the Carolinas. The prize exists to nurture and encourage exceptional emerging writers so that they may positively impact and transform the world around them.

Last year, essayist Latria Graham and poet Dasia Moore were awarded the inaugural prizes. Read more about the 2024 winners on the Charleston Literary Festival's website.

Since winning the inaugural Cato Fellowship Prize, both Latria Graham and Dasia Moore have been further recognized for their work. Latria Graham won the American Mosaic Journalism Prize for excellence in long-form, narrative or deep reporting about underrepresented and/or misrepresented groups in the U.S. Dasia Moore's project, "Francophile," was included in an exhibit featuring international artists and writers. The exhibit, "For Real For Real," is curated by Claudia Rankine and co-hosted by daadgalerie and The Racial Imaginary Institute in Berlin.

“We’re so delighted to build on the success of last year’s inaugural prize. The Charleston Literary Festival Cato Fellowship Prize honors extraordinary emerging literary talent rooted in the Carolinas. This region holds rich storytelling traditions—through this Fellowship Prize, we’re spotlighting the voices and perspectives that make the Carolinas so vital to the broader literary landscape,” added Sarah Moriarty, executive director of Charleston Literary Festival.

About the Cato Fellowship Prize 

Open to writers in North Carolina and South Carolina, the Cato Fellowship Prize will be awarded to two writers of fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry who demonstrate a commitment to bettering their craft and exhibit a love of writing and reading.

The Charleston Literary Festival Cato Fellowship Prize will provide:

• Immersive access to all 45+ events and private receptions during Charleston Literary Festival, running November 7–16, 2025 (view the first list of authors here)
• Accommodations in Downtown Charleston to stay and write for the 10-day duration of the festival
• $7,500 stipendiary
• Dedicated workspace in Dock Street Theatre
• Featured bio on the Charleston Literary Festival website and social media
• Featured full-length session onstage at Dock Street Theatre to showcase their work during Charleston Literary Festival
• Publication of the final piece in response to Charleston Literary Festival Cato Fellowship experience on the Charleston Literary Festival website
• Networking and collaborative opportunities beyond the duration of the festival

Who should apply? 

The Cato Fellowship Prize is open to any fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry writer who is a current resident of North Carolina or South Carolina. Students enrolled in a college or university program in North Carolina or South Carolina are also eligible to apply. Applicants are required to be a U.S. citizen or resident with an active visa and at least 21 years old on November 7, 2025. Applicants should be in the early stages of their writing careers, i.e., have not published more than one book-length work with a major or independent publisher. However, previous publication is not a requirement if they have demonstrated a commitment to developing their writing, whether fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry, by providing evidence of, for example:

• work published in a magazine or journal, online or in print
• work published in an anthology
• attendance at a creative writing course
• an early stage of a manuscript
• a draft book proposal

Direct link to application for the Cato Fellowship Prize: charlestonliteraryfestival.slideroom.com/

Charleston Literary Festival

• Tickets: The full list of 50+ authors who will feature at the festival in November will be announced and all tickets will go on sale on September 4, 2025.
• Overview: For more information about the festival schedule and event details, please visit CharlestonLiteraryFestival.com or follow us on Instagram @charlestonlitfest.
• Stay in the know: To make sure you stay up to date, sign up for our newsletter at CharlestonLiteraryFestival.com.
• Journalists: Visit our press center: CharlestonLiteraryFestival.com/press

About Charleston Literary Festival

Charleston Literary Festival is a 10-day boutique literary festival with an international edge that takes place every November in Charleston, South Carolina. With an emphasis on world-class literary programming, Charleston Literary Festival is unparalleled in the United States as a center of literary excavation, innovation, and celebration in a powerfully evocative historic location. Previous speakers include: Claire Keegan, Walter Isaacson, George Saunders, Adam Gopnik, James Shapiro, Patrick Radden Keefe, Jean Hanff Korelitz, Ben Okri, Colm Tóibin, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Lorrie Moore, and more. This year’s Charleston Literary Festival will run at Dock Street Theatre in Downtown Charleston from November 7–16, 2025.

Visit www.charlestonliteraryfestival.com for more information.

Media Contact

Russell Powell
russell@rpowellpr.com

Professional headshot photographer Chris Gillett is marking a major milestone: 10 years of creating standout portraits for lawyers, executives, and leaders across Texas and beyond. Once a top-rated trial attorney himself, Gillett now spends his days helping his clients present their best selves through expertly crafted headshots that project confidence, professionalism, and humanity.

“The strongest headshots express authenticity, and although AI can imitate, it can’t feel. And art without feeling isn’t art, it’s decoration. People still want to see the real you. That’s never going out of style,” Gillett said.

Gillett has worked with the elite of Houston's professional community including the past two Presidents of Shell North America Bruce Culpepper and Gretchen Watkins and the incoming president Colette Hirstius.

He specializes in a unique blend of expression and confidence coaching during photoshoots, capturing leadership, warmth, and credibility in a single frame. His work is sought after by attorneys and business professionals who understand the impact of a powerful headshot in today’s digital-first world.

“I want my clients to look strong, capable, and real. Your headshot is a visual handshake. If it doesn’t make people want to work with you, it’s not doing its job,” Gillett said.

His journey into photography began after a disastrous personal experience with a generic corporate headshot.

“I looked like a deranged night stalker. That photo launched me on a mission to figure out how to do it right and to help others avoid the same fate,” he said

Now widely recognized as one of Houston’s best legal headshot photographers, Gillett has worked with thousands of professionals across law, business, and medicine, using state-of-the-art equipment and deep knowledge of facial expression coaching to help each client shine.

As AI-generated portraits become more common, many photographers fear being replaced.  But Gillett doesn’t see it that way.

"I've had clients tear up because they couldn't believe they could really look that good. AI can never do that. Plus, I'm not a fan of professional catfishing,” he said.

There’s another reason Gillett feels confident entering his second decade of professional photography.

“AI needs real content to function. It feeds off what humans create. But more importantly, it can’t read the room. It doesn’t know when a client is nervous, or when to crack a joke to get a genuine smile. It can’t coach confidence. Only a human can do that,” Gillett said.

He believes the growing presence of AI in photography will actually increase the demand for authentic, human-made headshots, especially in industries that rely on trust and personal connection, like law and business.

About Chris Gillett

Chris Gillett is a Houston-based headshot photographer and expression coach specializing in professional portraits for attorneys, executives, and leaders. A former trial lawyer and adjunct law professor, Gillett combines legal insight with creative skill to deliver portraits that inspire confidence and credibility. He holds a JD from South Texas College of Law and a BA from Austin College. His work has earned him recognition as one of Texas’s most trusted photographers for legal and corporate headshots. For more information, visit liketherazor.com.

Media Contact

Amanda Orr
amanda@orrstrategygroup.com

Whether it’s a weekend city break or a long-haul getaway, digital tools can help you save hundreds—even at the last minute. Five renowned comparison and service platforms share their best money-saving hacks for travelers.

Kreditkarte.net: “0% FX Fees & Travel Cashback”

The editors at Kreditkarte.net reviewed 26 travel and cashback credit cards. For fee-free spending abroad, they recommend cards like the TF Bank Mastercard Gold (no annual fee, 0% foreign transaction fees). ATM withdrawals are also free of charge—though interest starts accruing immediately, so this option is best suited for shorter trips.

Extra tip: Always repay your credit card balance in full once you’re back home.

Example: Lisa books her trips through the bank’s partner network and earns up to €100 cashback on €2,000 in travel expenses. Plus, her card includes baggage insurance.

Parkplatzvergleich.de: “Park Cheap, Not at Terminal Rates”

Travelers can book airport parking from €51 for 8 days at Frankfurt Airport—just €6.73/day, far below the cost of terminal-adjacent spaces.

“Many operators offer secure parking just outside the city and include shuttle service in the price. It’s a low-cost, safe solution for your car while you travel,” says Nils Ravenhorst of parkplatzvergleich.de.

Example – the Becker family: 8 days of parking for €51 instead of €163.80 – a savings of nearly €102.

(Price check: July 14–21, 2025 – Parkport vs. Parking Garage P2 or P3 at Frankfurt Airport)

How-to-Germany.com: “Free Culture & Expat Insider Tips”

The expat portal How-to-Germany.com highlights in its current Cost-of-Living Guide that many German cities offer year-round free cultural activities. Berlin alone boasts over 30 permanently free museums, including Futurium, the German Dome, and the Allied Museum. While the national “Museum Sunday” initiative ended in December 2024, travelers can still enjoy serious savings thanks to free-entry museums and complimentary city tours.

Example – “Marco from Madrid”: Ten free attractions in Berlin and Hamburg save him around €80 in admission fees—money he can put toward other travel experiences.

Mein-Deal.com: “Last-Minute Deals & City Steals”

Bargain hunters love Mein-Deal.com for its daily travel flash deals, offering great getaways on a budget. Last-minute travelers might find a mini-cruise to Sweden (car included) for €99 or a weekend in Hamburg at a 4-star hotel for €54.50. Those who act fast can often save 50–70% off regular prices.

Example – Prague getaway: €49 per person including hotel, versus the regular €169 – a 70% discount.

Myflyright.com: “Flight Delays Can Boost Your Travel Budget”

Legal tech firm MYFLYRIGHT helps travelers claim €250–€600 in compensation for delays of 3+ hours under EU Regulation 261/2004—with no risk to passengers.

Example – business traveler Jan: A six-hour delay earns him €400—enough to cover two nights in a hotel.

Looking Ahead to 2026 – Three Travel-Saving Trends

Travel is becoming more digital—and with that, more price-sensitive. As booking platforms use AI to adjust rates in real time based on demand, weather, and competition, smart travel bots will increasingly act as personal budget co-pilots, finding optimal routes and hotel deals. Meanwhile, insurers are unbundling their products into flexible modules, letting travelers pay only for the risks they actually want to cover.

• Dynamic pricing algorithms: 55% of hotel chains already use AI-powered pricing; deal windows are getting even shorter.
• AI budget assistants: By 2026, 40% of business trips are expected to be fully booked via smart bots.
• Modular travel insurance: Flexible coverage options can cut costs by up to 30%, as travelers pick only what they need.

Media Contact

Rainer Brosy
rb@sunset-digital.com

Lucra, the leading social competition platform, today announced a new partnership with Frames Bowling Lounge to bring real-money competition to the venue. The collaboration will enable bowlers in NYC to challenge friends in real-money, digital bowling competitions for the chance to win cash prizes. 

This partnership marks Lucraʼs first foray into the bowling space, representing a major breakthrough in modernizing a historically analog industry. By expanding into bowling, Lucra continues to capture new audiences and showcase the flexibility of its technology to support a wide variety of use cases.

The integration is designed to enhance customer engagement before, during, and even between bowling sessions, augmented darts matches, billiards games, and more—bringing a tech-infused, social competition layer that increases loyalty while providing more value during downtime. By adding Lucra, Frames can offer a fresh, interactive experience that complements its in-person, social atmosphere.

“Frames is an NYC institution that's always stood for fun, social connection, and great times with friends,ˮ said Dylan Robbins, CEO of Lucra. “We're thrilled to partner with them to introduce real-money digital competitions to Frames customers. This partnership demonstrates our platform's flexibility and depth to build better connections between brands and their customers.ˮ

For Frames, the partnership highlights Framesʼ commitment to providing differentiated, tech-enabled customer experiences. By leveraging Lucra, Frames can reward bowlers for participating in fun, competitive experiences that drive repeat visits and strengthen customer loyalty.

“We're always looking for innovative ways to enhance the Frames experience," said Adam Rand, managing partner of Frames Bowling Lounge. “Lucraʼs platform helps us achieve our goal of modernizing the bowling experience—making it easier than ever for our guests to stay connected, have fun, and compete in new ways."

Frames will see several key advantages from this partnership:

• Digital Engagement Expansion: Expanding Framesʼ entertainment offering with an online, real-money competition experience that extends the fun beyond the lanes.
• Modern & Differentiated Experience: Elevating Framesʼ reputation as a forward-thinking venue by delivering a connected, tech-enabled competition layer guests will love.
• Revenue Diversification: Creating new monetization opportunities through tech-enabled gameplay that drives both online and in-venue spending.

With the launch planned this fall, both companies aim to provide a unique guest experience that emphasizes the power of community, making every Frames visit more engaging and fun.

About Lucra

Lucra provides white-label gamification software that helps brands drive visitation, build customer loyalty, and unlock new revenue. Our technology encourages your users to engage in social tournaments, group play, and peer-to-peer challenges directly within your existing experience. We handle all payments, compliance, and risk management, allowing you to quickly implement our solution to drive more traffic, increase user engagement, and generate new revenue. Lucra powers gamification for top entertainment, hospitality, and consumer brands, including Dave & Buster's, Five Iron Golf, Puttshack, TouchTunes, Hollywood.com, and more. For more information, visit www.lucrasports.com.

About Frames

Frames Bowling Lounge is a premier entertainment venue located in the heart of Times Square, New York with easy access to the subway, LIRR, NJ Transit, and major bus lines. Offering a modern twist on the classic bowling experience, Frames features 28 sleek lanes, 3 full-service bars, karaoke lounge, billiards, ping pong, augmented darts, private event spaces, and a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. Whether you're planning a casual night out, a corporate event, or a special celebration, they've got something for everyone. With upscale amenities, a dedicated sales representative to help plan your event, and genuine hospitality, Frames delivers unforgettable social experiences for groups of all sizes. Discover more at www.framesnyc.com.

Media Contact

Michael Madding
michael@lucrasports.com

GrowerIQ, a global leader in cannabis compliance and enterprise resource planning (ERP) technology, has been formally validated as an official METRC integrator across 10 U.S. jurisdictions. This includes some of the country's most tightly regulated cannabis markets: California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Guam.

This milestone represents a significant step forward in GrowerIQ's ability to support licensed producers navigating the complexities of U.S. compliance frameworks. The validation allows GrowerIQ to directly integrate with METRC's regulatory tracking system, enabling future clients in these jurisdictions to sync data securely, streamline reporting, and maintain accurate inventory records, all from within the GrowerIQ platform.

GrowerIQ's AI-powered ERP is purpose-built for cannabis businesses, uniting cultivation, manufacturing, quality assurance, and CRM into a single operational system. With METRC integration completed, the platform is now positioned to help producers eliminate third-party middleware, reduce manual entry, and scale compliantly across METRC-participating states.

"Securing METRC validation in these 10 jurisdictions reinforces our commitment to making compliance seamless," said Andrew Wilson, CEO of GrowerIQ. "We know how difficult it is for producers to adapt their operations around inflexible tools. That's why GrowerIQ is built to match your SOPs, not rewrite them."

As U.S. cannabis markets evolve, operators need reliable infrastructure that can adapt quickly to shifting regulations. GrowerIQ's ongoing compliance development, including integrations with METRC and BioTrack, reflects the company's continued investment in helping producers stay ahead of regulatory demands and focus on product excellence.

About GrowerIQ

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

Media Contact

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

The Netty Awards, a premier awards program celebrating excellence in the modern tech landscape, is pleased to announce that VoxScan by Artemis Immersive has been named a nominee in the Best Legal Tech Innovation category.

VoxScan is redefining how medical evidence is presented and understood in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. This groundbreaking platform transforms ordinary medical imaging into fully interactive 3D models, empowering attorneys to deliver clear, compelling visual evidence that resonates with juries and drives better outcomes.

“VoxScan empowers personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys with cutting-edge tools to transform how medical evidence is presented and understood,” said Adam Isley, founder and CEO of Artemis Immersive. “By simplifying complex medical data into impactful visuals, attorneys can improve settlement outcomes, save time and resources, and reduce reliance on expert witnesses. Many states face availability challenges with expert witnesses, and as a result, injury victims suffer even more in the process of recovery of damages. We’re dialed-in on what's best for injury victims and patients.”

Designed specifically for patients, injury victims, and non-medical audiences, VoxScan prioritizes ease of use and clarity. Unlike traditional scan viewers built exclusively for radiologists and imaging specialists, VoxScan leverages advanced technologies — including AI-powered models and interactive anatomy visualizations — delivered through a popular game engine. This approach makes previously cost-prohibitive innovations accessible to legal teams and the clients they serve.

Measurable Impact

The platform’s success is evident in both research and real-world applications:

• 96% of surveyed users preferred VoxScan over traditional imaging solutions.
• 94% felt VoxScan would make them more comfortable with a loved one’s medical procedure.
• 92% agreed it made medical conditions easier to understand.
• A leading radiologist praised the software’s ability to “isolate many different types of organs from the background … so that if a specific injury or disease needs to be described, you can do so clearly.”

Driving Industry Change

A patient who used VoxScan shared, “Looking at MRIs was very confusing for me. The 3D image was much easier to understand conceptually. As a patient, I leave with a clearer understanding of what’s happening to my body.”

By bridging the gap between complex medical imaging and patient comprehension, VoxScan not only elevates the legal process but also empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and actively participate in their care.

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About Artemis Immersive

Artemis Immersive is an award-winning spatial software studio focused on disrupting the current healthcare model by redesigning the patient journey and physician workflow to lay the foundation of the next generation of healthcare.

We design, build, and test immersive medtech software and experiences; accessible across VR headsets, desktops, and mobile devices; enabled by our growing toolkit of modular technologies, applications, and healthcare experts.

Our interactive 3D experiences address the communication gap that exists not only between patients and doctors, but also between providers of different specializations, insurance providers, attorneys, caregivers, and more.

For more information, visit artemisimmersive.com.

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