Newsroom

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 on milberg.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.

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.

Local author and leadership coach Matt Martin has released a new book, "Notice What Matters: Achieving Success With the Moments, People and Opportunities in Your Life," which has already become a No. 1 bestseller in three categories on Amazon. The book also holds the distinction of being the No. 1 top new release in Christian Business & Professional Growth.

In "Notice What Matters," Martin invites readers to slow down and pay attention to the people and moments that shape their lives. With personal stories, leadership insight, and practical takeaways, it’s a timely message for leaders, professionals, and anyone needing a guide to live more intentionally, lead more effectively, and love more deeply — starting now.

With a diverse background spanning business, nonprofits, and ministry — and a collection of life experiences that continue to shape his perspective — Martin brings a unique and practical approach to coaching leaders, executives, and growth-minded individuals. "Notice What Matters" is available now in hardback, paperback, and Kindle on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.

To learn more or request an interview, visit www.noticewhatmatters.com or contact matt@noticewhatmatters.com.

In a world obsessed with youth and productivity, aging has quietly become a marginalized experience. Ageism, though subtle, is everywhere, on screens, in language, in how systems are designed. For Marie-Josée Lafontaine, owner of Scarborough Retirement Residence, that invisibility is one of the most dangerous forms of discrimination. “I once asked my father what it felt like to be old,” she recalls. “And he said, ‘It feels invisible.’ That answer never left me. It ignited something in me.”

Her father, now 102 and still living in the community he helped build, represents a generation that built this country but now often goes unseen. Lafontaine, a second-generation elder care leader, is challenging the structures and language that reinforce this invisibility. “We are taught to fear aging. We hide wrinkles, avoid tough conversations, and ignore the emotional needs of our elders,” she says. “It’s time we start naming ageism for what it is: a systemic failure to respect and recognize the value of aging.”

Residents of Scarborough Retirement Residence

At Scarborough Retirement Residence, Lafontaine’s approach to combating ageism begins with what she calls soul-centered care. It’s a philosophy that transcends the clinical, moving into the realm of human presence, emotional safety, and deep witnessing. “Person-centered care is not enough,” she explains. “It still keeps the focus on ‘fixing’ or managing. Soul-centered care asks: ‘How do I show up for this person’s full humanity?’”

This is more than semantics; it’s a shift in how we train staff, speak to residents, and design care environments. “In this work, people can feel if you are just performing,” she says. “Presence is different. Presence is when you stop, meet their eyes, and allow space for who they are.”

That distinction between performance and presence sits at the heart of Lafontaine’s leadership. She encourages her team to spend at least five minutes a day in real presence with a resident, no chart, no task, just connection. “You would be surprised what those five minutes do,” she says. “They say: ‘I see you. You matter. You are not invisible here.’”

The implications of ageism are not just emotional; they are structural. Seniors make up the fastest-growing age group in Canada. Yet, their representation in media and leadership remains disproportionately low. According to the research in 2024, 1 out of 10 Canadians who are aged 50 or older reported that they have experienced unjust treatment or prejudice within the last year due to their age.

Lafontaine sees this reflected in all institutions and sectors of society. “How many times do people speak to the staff and professionals instead of the individual? Or talk about someone instead of with them?” she asks. “That’s not just bad etiquette. That’s ageism in action.”

Her proposed solution is not just more services; it’s a cultural reorientation. “We need to shift from a clinical to a relational model. From managing care to holding space,” she says. She believes that in doing so, we not only improve outcomes but also restore dignity. “This is about reverence. Indigenous cultures often treat elders as the wisdom holders, the final teachers. Why have we lost that?”

To move in that direction, Lafontaine is urging both policy-level and personal change. She calls for the inclusion of seniors in design discussions, for representation in public discourse, and most importantly, for language that respects their full identities. “We have to stop talking down and start leaning in,” she says. “They are not our clients. They are our future selves.”

Scarborough Boutique Retirement Residence

She also draws a bold line between system design and moral imagination. “If we want to change a broken system, we have to redesign it like we are redesigning it for ourselves,” she says. “That’s the level of empathy required. Because one day, you will be on the other side of the bedrail.”

At Scarborough Retirement Residence, that mindset is operational. Staff undergo immersive training in trauma-informed care and reflective listening. Community spaces are co-designed with residents. And more than once, Lafontaine has personally intervened when communication styles became dismissive or rushed. “I lead by being present,” she says. “And I expect the same of those around me.”

She also reminds us that change doesn’t have to start with grand gestures. “Sometimes it’s as simple as asking a resident, ‘What is one of your favorite vacation memories? What made you laugh as a kid?’ These questions open doors. They bring life back into the room.”

In a society that often defines value by speed, youth, and productivity, Marie-Josée Lafontaine offers a radical invitation: to slow down, to witness, to revere. Her soul-centered leadership is a quiet revolution, but it’s a powerful one, and urgently needed.

A&D Mortgage, a nationwide wholesale lender, announces the launch of two new VA loan programs designed to help veterans, active-duty service members, and spouses purchase property with greater ease and flexibility. These initiatives are part of A&D's ongoing commitment to expanding access to affordable and streamlined mortgage solutions.

VA Standard: Flexible Financing for Homeownership

The VA Standard Loan allows qualified borrowers to buy, build, repair, maintain, or adapt a primary residence with terms that offer both confidence and convenience.

• Loan amounts up to $2 million
• Minimum FICO score of 580
• Up to 100% CLTV
• $0 down payment required
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Limited closing costs
• Temporary rate buydown options

VA IRRRL: Refinance Made Simple

The VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) helps existing VA loan holders lower their monthly payments and interest rates with a fast, hassle-free process.

• Loan amounts up to $1.5 million
• Minimum FICO score of 580
• Up to 100% CLTV
• No appraisal required
• High-balance loans allowed
• No income verification, ownership certification only

"At A&D Mortgage, we honor the service of our veterans by helping them to achieve the dream of homeownership. This launch is also a strategic step forward -expanding our product portfolio to include one of the largest and most stable segments in the mortgage market," said Max Slyusarchuk, CEO of A&D Mortgage. "Our broker partners now have even more opportunities to grow their business, backed by the same award-winning service and cutting-edge technology they've come to expect from us."

This expansion marks another step in A&D Mortgage's strategy to meet market demand with smart, scalable lending solutions and to equip brokers with more ways to serve their clients.

Historic Neir’s Tavern is thrilled to announce that over 200 people have already registered—in just under three weeks—to attend its annual "Road to 200" Block Party, happening Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. in front of the historic tavern.

This year marks Neir’s 196th year of continuous operation, placing it just four years away from its monumental 200th anniversary in 2029. With good weather, the event aims to draw over 700 attendees for an unforgettable afternoon of food, live entertainment, local pride, and historic celebration.

Each registered guest will receive a special commemorative souvenir at the event to mark their participation in preserving this living piece of NYC history.

Thanks to the major title sponsorship from the Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven, led by President Shamika Narain, Neir’s Tavern was able to secure a street closure permit to safely accommodate the large expected turnout.

“As a community-centered organization, the Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven is proud to support Neir’s Tavern in its mission to preserve local history and bring neighbors together,” said Shamika Narain, president of the Kiwanis Club.

“Helping make this street closure possible is about more than a party—it’s about honoring a nearly 200-year-old institution that continues to anchor and uplift our neighborhood. We’re honored to be a part of it.”

Neir’s Tavern owner and community advocate Loycent Gordon added:

“I am emboldened by the continued energy after nearly closing in 2020—because with short attention spans, we’re supposed to be forgotten. But I’m grateful to the journal ad purchasers and community leaders who are making this event possible and free for the public.”

He extended special thanks to the 196th Anniversary Planning Committee and the many dedicated volunteers, whose tireless efforts are helping bring this historic celebration to life.

Gordon also acknowledged key supporters including Senator Joe Addabbo, Sherry Algredo (Chair, Queens Community Board 9), Kerstin Nordin (Global Marketing Initiatives), Vance Barbour, Rob Mackay, and Richie and Donna Salmon, saying their belief in the mission by sponsoring pages in the Anniversary Journal gives him hope that Neir’s will not only celebrate 196 years—but reach its 200th milestone in 2029.

Register now at: roadto200.eventbrite.com

Place an ad in the commemorative Journal at: https://neirstavern.com/queens-woodhaven-neirs-tavern-gift-shop

For premium sponsorship opportunities—including highly visible branding, multiple recognitions, and stage presence before 500+ guests—please contact Kim Chereveas at info@neirstavern.com.

Let’s make history—together.

About Historic Neir's Tavern

Established in 1829, Neir's Tavern is one of the oldest continuously operating taverns in the United States and a historic cornerstone of the Woodhaven, Queens, NYC community. Known as "the most famous bar you've never heard of," Neir's has hosted everyone from Civil War soldiers to movie stars Robert DeNiro in "Goodfellas" and remains a symbol of neighborhood pride, resilience, and cultural heritage. For more information, visit neirstavern.com.

About Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven

The Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park-Woodhaven is a volunteer-led service organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in our local community and around the world. Through hands-on service projects, fundraising, and community partnerships, the club works to create positive, lasting change in the neighborhoods it serves.

BlackWood Ventures, a network- and technology-driven early-stage fund focused on European founders, announces today the final close of its debut $25 million (USD) fund.

Since its first close in April 2023, BlackWood has made 19 investments spanning nine countries, with a plan to build a portfolio of around 30 fintech, cleantech, and Web3 companies.

“Europe is not short on talent; it’s short on conviction capital. That’s the gap we’re here to fill,” said Bastian Larsen, founder and CEO of BlackWood Ventures. “We built BlackWood to be truly European in scope and disciplined in approach, seeing hundreds of opportunities each month and backing founders whose ambition and focus stand out.”

Investments include:

• Dutch company beSirius, a B2B SaaS platform for the mining and metals industry that recently raised an up-round led by Berlin-based NAP and is already used by global leaders such as ArcelorMittal;
• IVM Markets from London, a fintech SaaS company transforming structured products distribution for financial institutions founded by ex-Deutsche Bank executives; Sidekick in the UK, a wealth management platform for mass-affluent customers recently surpassing £100 million in assets under management;
• Yonder, a UK-based rewards card company valued at over £100 million, named to the 2025 Future Fifty cohort, Tech Nation’s flagship programme for late-stage UK tech scaleups; and
• Particula from Germany, a provider of AI-driven risk intelligence for digital assets, enabling institutional adoption of tokenized finance through real-time, automated risk ratings across DeFi and TradFi.

Matthew Ford, founder and CEO of Sidekick: "BlackWood backed us early last year and has been fantastic to work with. They invest with conviction and it’s refreshing how fast and efficient they were throughout. Their fintech-experienced team has been hands-on at every turn and supported us throughout. Whether that’s in fundraising processes, helping with sales, or general support and guidance. It’s been a great partnership!"

BlackWood’s sourcing model combines a network of over 1,000 angel investors with systematic screening of hundreds of opportunities each month, increasingly supported by tech-enabled sourcing platforms. Frequent co-investments with leading firms such as LocalGlobe, Y Combinator, Seedcamp, Northzone, Octopus Ventures, Firstminute Capital, RTP Global, Giant Ventures, Norrsken and others demonstrate the fund’s ability to identify and back high-quality opportunities.

“I continue to be impressed by the clarity of the strategy and intensity of execution this team has demonstrated,” said Steffen Saltofte, a limited partner and board member at BlackWood, and CEO of Zentiva, a multinational pharmaceutical company with more than 5,000 employees. “BlackWood has built a strong European footprint, moves quickly, and is backing companies many Nordic VCs overlook due to geographic constraints. This ambition and focused execution is exactly what we aimed for with Fund I, and I’m excited to see it continue.”

Women Road Warriors, a women’s empowerment talk show podcast, is proud to announce that its hosts have been chosen for two prestigious Influential Businesswoman Awards for 2025 by Acquisition International magazine. Shelley M. Johnson has been named the Most Empowering Podcast Host (USA), while Kathy Tuccaro has received the Excellence Award for Female Empowerment Podcasting.

Acquisition International has showcased influential businesswomen with these awards for 10 years. The magazine recognizes cutting-edge leadership and excellence across all business sectors, including the media. A panel of judges conducts a thorough review of all nominees for their outstanding contributions before bestowing the awards. The accolades are based solely on merit and are awarded for people’s ingenuity and hard work in their chosen fields. The panel chooses women most deserving of commendation for their commitment to excellence, distinguishing them from their competitors.

Women Road Warriors co-host and executive producer Shelley Johnson says she and her co-host are ecstatic to receive these accolades. “Kathy and I are over the moon with this wonderful distinction. It is a tremendous honor and recognition of our work as talk show hosts with our program, which features celebrities and experts with topics designed to empower and inspire women and future generations. We feel very privileged to be officially recognized on an international level and to know we are making a difference. We look forward to continuing to be the vanguards of empowerment for women. We humbly thank Acquisition International magazine for this commendation.”

In an official press release, Acquisition International's Awards Coordinator Melissa Bramall said it was fitting to celebrate all the award winners. “It has been a pleasure to work with such spectacular women who are continually altering the business landscape. Guiding their teams to success time and time again, we thought it fitting to showcase their contribution to companies of all sizes and calibers. Congratulations again! Long may your success continue.”

About Women Road Warriors

Women Road Warriors is a multiple award-winning women’s empowerment talk show hosted by Shelley Johnson and Kathy Tuccaro. The show features trailblazers, experts and celebrity guests on a variety of topics that empower women. As a vanguard for change, the program "powers women on the road to success."

The show is humorous, entertaining, educational and sometimes quirky, with a lively banter between Shelley, Kathy and their guests. Women Road Warriors has been ranked in the top 2% of podcasts globally by Listen Notes. FeedSpot has listed it among the top 10 in its Top 100 Best Women Empowerment Podcasts worldwide. It was recently named Self-Improvement Podcast of the Year by Corporate LiveWire.

Women Road Warriors airs on WNEW-HD3 (102.7-3) in New York City and is available on demand via all major podcast channels, as well as at https://women-road-warriors.captivate.fm.

For more information, visit womenroadwarriors.com.

About Acquisition International

Acquisition International is an international, monthly digital business magazine dedicated to providing its readers with up-to-the-minute news, commentary and analysis. As the voice of modern business, the staff is dedicated to delivering vital updates to their corporate readers so they remain ahead of the curve. Each month, the magazine delivers the latest news across the corporate world that focuses on excellence, innovation, and evolution through business. To learn more, visit www.acquisition-international.com.

About AI Global Media

Since 2010, AI Global Media has been committed to creating engaging B2B and B2C content that informs readers and helps businesses market to a global audience. They create content for and about firms across a range of industries to ensure they are recognized and rewarded for their commitment to their causes, teams, and clients, no matter the challenges their industries may face. For more information, visit www.aiglobalmedialtd.com.

Facing the complex international landscape and mounting challenges, China International Import Expo (CIIE) consistently acts as a platform for global business exchange. With only 100 days to go, the 8th CIIE is set to take place in Shanghai from November 5 to 10.

As of now, over 50 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in the Country Pavilion. Sweden and the United Arab Emirates will serve as guest countries of honor at the 8th CIIE, while Kyrgyzstan will make its debut.

To help global enterprises across sectors better integrate into the Chinese market, the Corporate Pavilion features six major exhibition areas — encompassing Medical Equipment and Healthcare Products, Automobile and Smart Mobility, Intelligent Industry & Information Technology, Consumer Goods, Food and Agriculture Products, and Trade in Services — and will continue hosting its Innovation Incubation Special Section. Driven by strong interest and participation from overseas companies, total booked exhibition space has surpassed 330,000 square meters, with 170 companies and 26 institutions becoming eight-time full-attendance exhibitors. 

Notably, this year’s Corporate Pavilion introduces four fresh innovations, demonstrating its vibrant energy and vast collaboration opportunities for participants.

l A special section for the least-developed countries products will launch alongside an upgraded Africa products section, helping 53 diplomatic African partners leverage zero-tariff treatment to enter the Chinese market. 

• A new section for overseas provinces and cities stands as another highlight.
• Focused on global premieres, a dedicated trail for exploring debuts and a section amplifying exhibitors’ presence are introduced.
• A cross-border e-commerce platform will be established for specialized promotion, matching, and livestreaming.

The 8th Hongqiao International Economic Forum (HQF) will convene under the theme “Opening-up for New Opportunities, Cooperation for a Shared Future”. Alongside the release of the World Openness Report 2025 and the latest World Openness Index, the HQF will host over 20 parallel sessions on revitalizing multilateral cooperation, empowering digital intelligence, green and sustainable development, and a more open China.

Side events will retain previous categories, while people-to-people exchange activities will add a new “Charming Friends of City” zone, inviting international friendly provinces and cities to set up their booths.

Stay tuned for the 8th CIIE — secure your spot now!

Sign up as an exhibitor: https://www.ciie.org/exhibition/f/book/register?locale=en

Sign up as a professional visitor: https://www.ciie.org/ciie/f/visitor/pre-book?locale=en

This week, hired actors were spotted protesting 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) outside the CHAMPS Trade Show in Las Vegas in a desperate attempt by Big Kratom to manufacture support for their campaign to pit kratom and 7-OH customers against each other. This ridiculous incident reveals just how far industry insiders will go to manipulate public perception and protect their own profits, even if it means faking public outrage and dividing the very community they claim to serve.

A now-deleted Craigslist ad (see attached image) offered $100–$150 per day to “peaceful protesters” for a one-day gig on July 23, calling for 75–100 “reliable individuals” to stage a “high-visibility protest action.” The actors had matching t-shirts, but, according to people who engaged them, they did not have the slightest idea of what they were protesting.

The paid actors had signs featuring a QR code (see also attached image) leading to a petition organized by John Ramsay, who works for MIT45: which is a founding member of the American Kratom Association (AKA) and a part of the Global Kratom Coalition (GKC). Both AKA and GKC are Big Kratom lobbying groups that have been attacking 7-OH in the media and with legislators across the country.

Jeff Smith, national policy director of the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART), had the following statement:

“Buying protestors proves it: the war on 7-OH is a completely manufactured controversy. When you have to stage a protest,  you don’t have a real movement. Donors to the American Kratom Association and Global Kratom Coalition should be mortified that this is the kind of action that their donations are being spent on.

“Kratom in general, not just 7-OH, is facing an existential threat in state legislatures. Consumers lost kratom access in two more states this year, mostly because of a botched kratom industry strategy attacking 7-OH instead of promoting the positive about their own products. The evidence is clear: when the industry tries to divide customers into kratom and 7-OH blocks, we all lose. This industry has to accept that we succeed or fail together. I’d rather succeed.

“Big Kratom seems to think they can save their members’ bottom line by burning the whole industry down, no matter how much their misguided strategy backfires. At HART, we fight for the rights of kratom and 7-OH users alike because we think people are more important than a silly industry turf war. 

“HART is in Las Vegas this weekend at CHAMPS to call on the kratom industry to stop the infighting and join the push for evidence-based and reasonable regulations that protect access for everyone who relies on kratom and 7-OH, before it’s too late.”

Construction Insurance Risk Education (CIRE), a leading provider of innovative training at the intersection of construction and insurance, has announced it is actively seeking a National Education Provider to deliver its educational platform across all 50 U.S. states.

Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic by an insurance veteran, Treacy Duerfeldt, CIRE was born out of a frustration with traditional, outdated educational models. “After taking the same insurance courses for nearly 30 years, reading PDFs and answering repetitive questions every two years, I realized the industry wasn’t helping professionals grow, it was just checking boxes,” said Duerfeldt. “CIRE is here to change that.”

The company’s mission is clear: offer engaging, story-driven education that brings construction professionals and insurance agents together in a shared language. “One of the biggest reasons for uncovered claims or overpriced premiums is a fundamental lack of mutual understanding,” Duerfeldt added. “CIRE’s model doesn’t just inform, it unites.”

CIRE’s platform already includes over 24 hours of polished and accredited video-based material, featuring dynamic instruction, scenario-based quizzes, and segmentation designed for better retention and real-time learning verification. “We interrupt the passive experience,” said Duerfeldt. “Our quizzes don’t just follow the lesson; they are integrated within it to ensure knowledge is actually being absorbed.”

Through a previous regional education provider, CIRE has already operated successfully in 30 states. That partnership allowed the platform to earn certification even in rigorous jurisdictions like California and Florida. But now, with growing national demand and strong endorsements from industry leaders, the time has come to scale.

“We have validated our content through regulators and real users,” Duerfeldt said. “The next step is to find a platform partner who shares our passion for verified learning and has the infrastructure to operate nationwide.”

The ideal national education provider, according to Duerfeldt, will have experience working with state insurance regulators and be prepared to manage course availability, administrative compliance, and distribution logistics. CIRE will continue to provide all core content and will lead community-based live sessions, advanced seminars for alumni, and ongoing curriculum updates.

CIRE is particularly seeking a provider with the capability and the commitment to recertify its program across all 50 states. “We are not looking for someone to coast,” said Duerfeldt. “We are looking for a platform provider who’s invested in the mission of bridging the gap between construction and insurance through real education, not just checking a box.”

The company’s philosophy of “verified learning” underpins every aspect of its offering. “We don’t hand out certificates just for showing up. We want learners to actually know what they are doing,” he emphasized. “That’s how we shift the culture, lower risk, and ultimately improve outcomes for the entire construction ecosystem.”

CIRE’s offerings span a wide array of construction-specific topics, including cyber liability, general liability, workers’ comp, automobile insurance, builders’ risk, bonding, and coverage planning, each designed to be both accessible to contractors and technically robust for agents.

With its innovative format, proven course content, and industry endorsements already in place, CIRE’s next chapter hinges on the right partner.

“Our curriculum is ready. Our mission is clear. Now we need a provider who’s ready to help us bring real education to the people building America, and the people protecting them.”