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84 New State AI Laws Signal Growing Momentum for Child Safety and Accountability

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Transparency Coalition mid-year report finds 27 states actively advancing artificial intelligence protections for citizens

SEATTLE, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — State lawmakers passed or enacted 84 new AI-related laws across 27 states during the first half of 2026, according to a new report released today by the Transparency Coalition (TCAI).

“State lawmakers from both parties are recognizing that we cannot repeat the mistakes made with social media and allow companies to test powerful, potentially harmful products on children without meaningful safeguards,” said Rob Eleveld, co-founder and CEO of the Transparency Coalition.

The 2026 Mid-Year State AI Legislation Report examines measures passed or enacted between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2026. The report finds that concern about the effects of AI chatbots, particularly on children and teens, has become one of the most urgent AI policy issues facing state legislators of all political parties.

Several states enacted chatbot safety laws requiring self-harm protocols, protections for minors, parental access tools and restrictions on features designed to encourage emotional dependence or prolonged engagement. Legislators also advanced measures addressing addictive algorithms, AI-generated deepfakes, the use of AI in healthcare decisions and the growing role of AI in schools.

“State lawmakers from both parties are recognizing that we cannot repeat the mistakes made with social media and allow companies to test powerful, potentially harmful products on children without meaningful safeguards,” said Rob Eleveld, co-founder and CEO of the Transparency Coalition. “The breadth of action we are seeing demonstrates that protecting kids and holding AI companies accountable are not partisan issues.”

The report identifies several significant highlights in state AI policy:

Child and chatbot safety: States enacted new requirements for chatbot disclosures, self-harm response protocols, parental controls and protections against sexually explicit content, emotional dependence and addictive engagement features.Education and children’s digital lives: States adopted measures directing education officials to develop AI use and procurement frameworks, limiting student access to digital devices during the school day and affirming that public school teachers must be human.Healthcare and mental health: Multiple states restricted the use of AI in health insurance authorization decisions, required review by licensed healthcare professionals or prohibited AI therapy chatbots.Consumer rights and privacy: Colorado and Maryland prohibited algorithmic or surveillance pricing, while Vermont established protections for neural data.Frontier model oversight: Illinois joined California and New York in adopting a safety framework for the largest and most powerful AI models. Illinois became the first state to require independent third-party safety audits of frontier models.Comprehensive AI regulation: Connecticut enacted a 74-page AI and online safety law covering chatbot safeguards, protections for minors, parental controls, AI subscriptions, whistleblower protections, employment decisions and content provenance.

During the first half of this year, Transparency Coalition experts advised bill authors and provided expert testimony in more than 25 states, working with Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike. TCAI is also collaborating with more than 20 partner organizations across the country, including a growing number focused on children and families.

The 2026 Mid-Year State AI Legislation Report includes an overview of the year’s major legislative trends and a state-by-state guide to all 84 measures. The full report is available on the Transparency Coalition website.

State lawmakers, legislative staff, advocates and other attendees of the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit, July 27-29, in Chicago are invited to discuss the report and emerging AI policy priorities with the Transparency Coalition team at Booth #4243.

About the Transparency Coalition

The Transparency Coalition, based in Seattle, is a nonpartisan 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on protecting children, consumers, and democracy from the harms of artificial intelligence. The Coalition tracks emerging AI policy and provides education to lawmakers, parents, and the public. Through its advocacy arm, the 501(c)4 Transparency Coalition Action Fund, it works with lawmakers from both parties to support legislation in the public interest. Learn more at transparencycoalition.ai.

Media Contact:

Laura Morarity

laura@transparencycoalition.ai

Media Contact

Laura Morarity, Transparency Coalition, 1 (206) 584-2079, laura@transparencycoalition.ai, transparencycoalition.ai

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/84-new-state-ai-laws-signal-growing-momentum-for-child-safety-and-accountability-302830374.html

SOURCE Transparency Coalition

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Achieve earns Top 3 ranking for personal loan customer satisfaction from LendingTree

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Recognition marks seventh consecutive quarter Achieve has ranked among the nation’s top lenders for customer satisfaction

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, has been named one of the Top 3 lenders in personal loan customer satisfaction by LendingTree for the third quarter of 2026. This distinction from one of the nation’s largest online personal finance marketplaces underscores Achieve’s commitment to delivering transparent, supportive, and human-centered financial services.

This marks the seventh consecutive LendingTree customer service award that Achieve has earned, following a top-three ranking in the second quarter of 2026. The quarterly ranking is published by LendingTree, based on verified customer reviews and other data evaluating lenders on transparency, ease of the application process and the quality of customer service. Achieve consistently maintains high ratings for providing consumers with a clear path toward improving their financial health.

“For someone consolidating debt, a personal loan is more than a transaction. It’s an opportunity to improve their finances and move forward with greater confidence,” said Achieve President of Lending Kyle Enright. “Our team helps members understand their options and find the solution that fits their goals by pairing competitive fixed rates with personal guidance. Earning this recognition for a seventh consecutive quarter reflects the care our teammates bring to those conversations and the trust our members place in us.”

A rate cut earlier this year lowered the best available annual percentage rate (APR) on Achieve Personal Loans to 6.25%, a reduction of 274 basis points. This initiative, supported by advanced underwriting and enhanced with FICO® Score 10 T data, maintains access to fixed-rate loans for an expanded set of consumers, with an expected improvement in credit performance. These loans are originated by a bank partner via the Achieve Personal Loans platform.

Key highlights of the Achieve Personal Loan experience:

Competitive, fixed rates: APRs now start as low as 6.25% for qualified borrowers, providing a more affordable alternative to high-interest credit card debt.Rapid funding: Qualified members can have funds sent in as little as 24 hours to address immediate financial needs.Flexible terms: Borrowers can choose repayment schedules ranging from 2, 3, 4 and 5 years to align with their specific budget and goals.Transparent pricing: All loans feature fixed monthly payments and a clear payoff date, with no hidden fees or revolving balances.

For more information and important disclosures about Achieve Personal Loans, visit achieve.com/personal-loans

Achieve has served over 2 million consumers, helping to resolve over $22 billion in debt and facilitated over $15 billion in personal loans and home equity lines of credit since 2002. This latest accolade follows a series of recent wins. Achieve was named to Az Business Magazine’s AZ Big 100 List for 2026, and honored by InHerSight with eight recognitions, including being named the No. 1 finance company for women to work.

As a trusted leader in debt consolidation, Achieve remains committed to helping everyday people move toward a better financial future. This commitment is rooted in providing a transparent experience, a personalized approach to every member’s unique situation and the predictable, fast cash flow necessary to attain long-term financial stability. By focusing on these core principles, the company continues to redefine how consumers manage debt and build lasting financial health.

About Achieve

Achieve, the fintech for everyday Americans, helps everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a better financial future. Achieve pairs proprietary data and analytics with personalized support to offer personal loans, home equity loans, debt relief and debt consolidation, along with financial tips and education. Achieve is frequently recognized for providing top-rated customer experience and satisfaction by both consumers and leading personal finance review platforms and has 2,200 dedicated teammates across the country, with hubs in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.

Achieve refers to the global organization and may denote one or more affiliates of Achieve Company, including Achieve.com, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #138464); Achieve Home Loans, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #1810501); Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977); Freedom Debt Relief (NMLS ID # 1248929); and Freedom Financial Asset Management (CRD #170229).

Contacts

Austin Kilgore
akilgore@achieve.com
214-908-5097

Elina Tarkazikis
etarkazikis@achieve.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/achieve-earns-top-3-ranking-for-personal-loan-customer-satisfaction-from-lendingtree-302924429.html

SOURCE Achieve

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Mediaplanet Launches Men’s Mental Health Campaign in USA TODAY, Featuring Jake Shane, Howie Mandel, Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and Yung Pueblo

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NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mediaplanet today announces the launch of its Men’s Mental Health campaign, publishing within USA TODAY and through the Future of Personal Health digital content hub. The national campaign brings together leading healthcare experts, mental health advocates, organizations, athletes and public figures to encourage more open conversations around men’s mental health and provide accessible, actionable resources for building healthier lives. Featuring Netflix podcaster and internet sensation Jake Shane as the publication’s cover story, the campaign also includes editorial from global influence Howie Mandel, All-Star athlete Kevin Love, Dr. Mark Hyman and author Yung Pueblo, offering personal experiences and expert perspectives on mental health, emotional well-being, resilience and personal growth.

Through personal stories, expert insights and practical resources, the campaign directly challenges the expectation that men should navigate mental health struggles alone while encouraging a more open and supportive approach to overall well-being. “I wish people would take care of their mental health the way we take care of our dental health,” said Howie Mandel. His perspective reflects the campaign’s broader mission to normalize mental health care as an essential part of everyday health and encourage men to prioritize their well-being before they reach a point of crisis.

The campaign was made possible through the participation and support of Vibrant Emotional Health, Financial Therapy Association, NOCD, Spear Center, NeuroStar Advanced Therapy, American Association of Kidney Patients, Crisis Text Line, YMCA, One Mind at Work, The Hidden Opponent, Kevin Love Fund, American College of Sports Medicine, Whitman-Walker, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Mark Hyman, Yung Pueblo, Kevin Love, Howie Mandel and Jake Shane.

Media Contact: Joelle Hernandez, joelle.hernandez@mediaplanet.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mediaplanet-launches-mens-mental-health-campaign-in-usa-today-featuring-jake-shane-howie-mandel-kevin-love-dr-mark-hyman-and-yung-pueblo-302924437.html

SOURCE Mediaplanet

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Wonderloom Media’s Dr. Insanity Launches Patreon With Exclusive Content for Superfans Amid Rising Demand for Premium True Crime

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Wonderloom Media’s true crime channel, with more than 6 million YouTube subscribers, gives its most dedicated fans a deeper way to experience its documentary-style storytelling

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Wonderloom Media, the creator economy studio formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, today announced the launch of a Patreon membership for Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, expanding the depth of content available to the channel’s biggest fans.

The Dr. Insanity Patreon offers members extended cuts of episodes, exclusive content and a community space, giving superfans more of the stories they follow on YouTube. The membership launches October 31 alongside a weeklong feature on a Times Square billboard, running through November 5.

Dr. Insanity now has more than 6.1 million YouTube subscribers and over 3 billion total views, and has continued to grow since Wonderloom acquired the channel in June 2026. The Patreon launch is part of Wonderloom’s push to expand Dr. Insanity’s content and bring it to fans wherever they watch, including its distribution on Tubi.

True crime superfans can become members of the Dr. Insanity Patreon at www.patreon.com/c/DrInsanity

About Wonderloom Media
Wonderloom Media is a creator-first media platform that acquires, operates and scales YouTube-native content businesses. Formed by Content Partners and media entrepreneur Ed Simpson, Wonderloom brings institutional operating experience, expanded distribution and 360° monetization to digital-native properties with loyal audiences and long-term growth potential. Its portfolio includes Dr. Insanity, one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, with more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views.

About Dr. Insanity
Dr. Insanity is one of YouTube’s largest true crime channels, known for documentary-style storytelling and a loyal, highly engaged audience. The channel has more than 6.1 million subscribers and over 3 billion views. https://www.youtube.com/@DrInsanityCrime 

Media Contact:
Michal Mitchell
Wonderloom@relativity.ventures

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wonderloom-medias-dr-insanity-launches-patreon-with-exclusive-content-for-superfans-amid-rising-demand-for-premium-true-crime-302922403.html

SOURCE Wonderloom Media

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