HOUSTON, TX, August 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Nodestream, a Blockware division, today announced the launch of the Nodestream Marketplace, a verified over-the-counter (OTC) venue for enterprise GPUs and HPC hardware. Nodestream estimates the mid-market enterprise compute opportunity — non-hyperscaler AI infrastructure spend outside the top cloud providers — at $25–40 billion annually. This market still relies heavily on broker relationships, lacks pricing transparency, and moves quickly as available inventory is often committed before buyers can act.

Built on Blockware's record of more than 400,000 machines deployed and hundreds of megawatts energized since 2017, the marketplace is the first public step toward a full-stack NeoCloud. Where most NeoClouds, the GPU-specialized providers that have grown up alongside the hyperscalers, lease the capacity they run on, Nodestream plans to own the hardware, colocation, power and land underneath its compute.

Nodestream is led by Chief Executive Officer Megan Brooks-Anderson, former Chief Operating Officer of Riot Platforms (NASDAQ: RIOT). The marketplace is the online expansion of an established OTC desk that has closed $330 million in hardware deals globally. 

Nodestream is an authorized reseller for Supermicro, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Dell Technologies, Lenovo, and TD Synnex, sourcing equipment through OEM channels alongside its verified secondary-market inventory. To access the marketplace, Nodestream requires counterparties to pass tiered Know-Your-Business (KYB)/Anti-money laundering (AML), export-control and proof-of-funds checks, and validates hardware provenance down to serial numbers.

“AI is constrained by hardware, colocation, power and land. Whoever sits at the center of all four becomes infrastructure the rest of the industry depends on,” said Brooks-Anderson. “We're starting with the hardware: an exchange with real inventory, real prices and verified counterparties. The broker market is unpredictable and lacks the fast, built-in KYB we run on every deal. By vetting every supplier and buyer upfront, we de-risk these complex transactions for everyone involved. From there, we power the infrastructure itself — connecting clients directly to the power, land and compute that make AI possible.”

What buyers can do today

• Browse verified HPC inventory: Live OTC listings across the current NVIDIA stack — HGX B300 NVL8 and B200 systems, H100 SXM5 and A100 SXM — each with per-unit pricing, available quantity, seller location and lead time. Buyers filter by manufacturer, chipset or condition to get straight to hardware that matches their build.
• Full technical specs on verified listings: Each listing carries complete specifications — GPU generation, CPU configuration, memory and networking — alongside minimum order, deposit terms, warranty and lead time. Transactions are secured via deposit, with both crypto and wire transfer accepted.
• Deal-desk sourcing for anything unlisted: Buyers spec exactly what they need — GPU model, server count, chassis and OEM preference, networking fabric, target price — and the Nodestream deal desk sources the closest match from its vetted supplier network, with a live quote summary tracking the configuration as it's built.
• GPU-as-a-Service proposals for hosted compute: For teams not ready to own hardware or who need to burst to meet demand, buyers describe a workload — training, fine-tuning or inference — with capacity and start date, and receive a scoped GPUaaS proposal with rate, term, region and onboarding timeline.

“We built the marketplace around one idea: a client should go from browsing verified inventory to a structured quote and deposit in minutes, not weeks,” said Justin Carlson, Chief Product Officer. “Real prices, real quantities, real lead times on every listing, before a client ever talks to anyone. When a client needs something that isn't listed, our deal desk sources it from a vetted supplier network, the same vetting that keeps unverified equipment and misrepresented deals out of every transaction. Saving all parties time and money. Through 2027, we're rolling out turnkey HPC sales for GPUs already racked in data centers, plus automated sourcing tools built on the same rails, so a client can describe a build and get back priced, verified options without making a single call."

The road to the NeoCloud

The marketplace is the front door to a platform spanning all three of Nodestream's business lines. Hardware brokerage is live today. GPU-as-a-Service follows on reserved NVIDIA GB300 and B300 capacity — dedicated clusters, not shared cloud — with GPU-backed financing available at close. Power and land anchor the rest: roughly 23,000 acres of deeded land across the U.S. with grid interconnection on site, plus power development and colocation capacity under development nationwide. 

The Nodestream Marketplace is live now at app.nodestream.ai. Buyers, sellers and partners can reach the deal desk through the app or sales@nodestream.ai.

About Nodestream

Nodestream, a Blockware company, is the marketplace, infrastructure and settlement layer for sovereign AI compute — hardware, GPUs, power and land. Nodestream turns compute, power and land into liquid, investable, verified assets across three business lines: HPC hardware brokerage, GPU-as-a-Service, and power and land development. Learn more at nodestream.ai.

About Blockware

Founded in 2017, Blockware Solutions is a U.S. leader in high-performance computing infrastructure, with more than 400,000 machines deployed and hundreds of megawatts energized across U.S. data centers. Blockware provides HPC rentals, GPU servers and high-density colocation across the United States and Europe. For more information, visit blockwaresolutions.com.

Media Contact

Nodestream Deal Desk & Communications
pr@nodestream.ai

DENVER, CO, August 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Founded by trial lawyers Mark Callender and Josh Bowlin, Callender Bowlin (CB Trial) is led by attorneys with more than four decades of combined litigation experience across commercial disputes, health care advocacy, first-party insurance claims, personal injury, and trial work in federal and district courts.

“We both spent much of our early careers at large law firms, and that allows us to provide our clients with sophisticated, big-firm-caliber service and expertise,” says Callender, founding partner at CB Trial. “As a boutique trial firm, our streamlined structure allows us to stay steadfastly focused on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients. Our size also allows us to take a more cost-effective approach than you would find at our larger counterparts.”

Based in Houston, Texas, with additional offices in Denver, Colorado, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, CB Trial represents mid- to large-sized businesses and high net worth clients in matters involving complex commercial litigation and health care advocacy, while also representing individuals in first-party insurance claims and personal injury matters with experience on both the plaintiff and defense sides.

While its practice has roots in Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico, CB Trial’s significant trial experience has made the firm a sought-after litigation partner for clients throughout the country.

CB Trial’s advocacy-first approach extends beyond traditional commercial litigation and personal injury. The firm’s attorneys represent policyholders in first-party insurance disputes, often involving fire, water, hail, and storm damage, where insurers often delay, underpay, or deny legitimate claims.

Additionally, the team often represents health care providers in remote and rural communities who are forced to fight large insurers for payments owed to them, threatening the financial stability of essential community health care services.

“Having been raised in small Texas towns by families who valued hard work, we built this firm on those same principles and core pillars,” says Bowlin, founding partner. “We value integrity, hard work, and grit. While we operate as a boutique practice, our commitment to outworking the opposition is a cornerstone of our success — and it is a quality our clients deeply respect.”

The firm’s hardworking culture is defined by more than simply returning phone calls and keeping clients updated on their cases; the CB Trial team engages clients as active participants in case strategy and planning.

“We know the law, but our clients have lived and experienced their cases,” says Bowlin. “When you spend time listening to what your clients have to say, it makes you a more effective and passionate advocate. Clients often have fantastic ideas about strategy that might otherwise remain outside the view of most attorneys. If you’re not collaborating with your clients, you’re shortchanging them.”

That collaborative approach becomes especially valuable when a case heads to trial.

Proven Trial Expertise

“There are many attorneys who call themselves trial lawyers, even though they don’t actually try cases,” says Callender. “They settle for the best deal they think they can get. The truth is, you’re never going to get the best outcome for your client unless the other side knows that you’re willing to take it to trial. The other side’s posture often changes when they realize they’re in for a fight.”

Litigation is a burdensome process, and many clients view settlement as a simple exit strategy. However, settling too early can be more expensive than the litigation itself. What these clients may fail to appreciate is the greater expense of settling a lawsuit too early. Callender and Bowlin leverage more than 40 years of experience in federal and district courtrooms nationwide to identify when a trial is the necessary and best path forward. In many instances, their deep expertise has proven that taking a case to verdict is the most effective way to protect a client’s interests.

“We have a reputation for being very well prepared for trial and for fighting these cases to the very end,” Callender says. “We’ve obtained many favorable results at trial and often reach settlements on the courthouse steps.”

About Callender Bowlin

Callender Bowlin is a Houston-based boutique litigation law firm with additional offices in Denver and Albuquerque. The firm represents individuals, businesses, healthcare organizations and policyholders in commercial litigation, healthcare disputes, first-party insurance claims and other complex matters. Founded on the principles of values, integrity and grit, Callender Bowlin provides courtroom-tested advocacy to clients whose businesses, property and interests are at stake. For more information, visit www.cbtrial.com.

Media Contact

Ashley Kearney
ashley@cbtrial.com

ROCKLAND, MA, August 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- A new era in financial services is being shaped by evolving consumer expectations and rapid technological innovation. Which model will dominate? National banks that offer scale, fintech companies that offer speed, or digital platforms that offer convenience? Regulated by the National Credit Union Association, Arise Financial, formerly known as Rockland Federal Credit Union, is redefining the modern credit union model through a combination of advanced technology, personalized service, and a member-first approach.

Headquartered in southeastern Massachusetts, the 104-year-old full-service financial institution offers the products, services, and digital capabilities consumers expect from a traditional bank, but with a member-first structure designed to keep costs lower and value higher — an important distinction now that the cost of living is making it harder for families to buy their first home, save for their children’s education, and invest for the future.

Unlike traditional banks, which are owned by shareholders, credit unions are owned by their members, each of whom has a voice in the institution’s direction. Earnings are reinvested into the organization and returned to members through lower fees, competitive rates, and enhanced services — a structure designed to prioritize long-term financial well-being over quarterly profits. 

“Credit unions are uniquely positioned to provide the scale, speed, and convenience consumers demand, but with an added intangible — trust,” says Kristin VanBeek, CEO and President of Arise Financial. 

Hardworking Hospitality

“In addition to saving members money, we also cultivate personal relationships regardless of the size of someone’s account,” VanBeek said. “What sets credit unions apart is hospitality. We are neighbors, handling the most important things in our members’ lives throughout every stage of life.”

This philosophy is influenced in part by the concept of “unreasonable hospitality,” popularized by restaurateur Will Guidara in his bestselling book “Unreasonable Hospitality.” The idea — creating meaningful, memorable experiences through intentional service and human connection — closely aligns with Arise Financial’s approach to banking, where success is measured not simply by transactions, but by the relationships built, the trust earned over time, and the ability to make members feel genuinely supported at every stage of life. For Arise Financial, technology is not replacing relationships — it is enhancing the member experience and making personalized banking more accessible and seamless.

Arise Financial members enjoy frictionless service. Every personal interaction is an opportunity to earn trust, solve a problem, and create a better experience. No question is too small for the Arise Financial team. 

When there are obstacles, the solution-oriented staff roll up their sleeves to explore options. “We look for ways to say ‘yes’ whenever possible,” VanBeek said. “When we can’t, we take time to help members map out a path forward to reach their goals.”

The high-touch service goes hand in hand with the use of big-bank technology. With a major investment in innovation, Arise Financial has replaced outdated legacy systems with modern infrastructure. The digital transformation is setting tomorrow’s gold standard for seamless systems that improve forward-facing services as well as back-office processes, reflecting Arise Financial’s vision for a more modern, connected credit union experience.

The result is a more seamless experience for members, with fewer unnecessary steps and greater flexibility in how they interact with the credit union. Even onboarding new members is simpler and less time-consuming. Modernization of back-office processes improves data quality, strengthens controls, and aids compliance.

“We’re proud of these upgrades, but we will never sacrifice the high-touch service credit unions are known for,” VanBeek said. “We take advantage of cutting-edge innovations, such as AI, to meet members’ needs and give our employees more powerful tools to serve members.”

National Reach

Federally chartered with $3.7 billion in assets, Arise Financial challenges outdated assumptions about what a credit union can be. Its combination of scale, technology, and personalized service reflects how credit unions are evolving to meet today’s consumer expectations. 

“Our member-owners appreciate the value of one-on-one interactions with experienced staff who know them by name and understand the opportunities and challenges facing local families and businesses,” VanBeek said. “They have direct access to decision-makers who are empowered to make loans with flexibility and far less unnecessary red tape.”

Businesses with remote workforces and operations across multiple states have access to even more sophisticated tools. Arise Financial’s modernized online and mobile banking platform features an enhanced bill pay interface and customizable dashboards that allow users to view payment due dates, account details, and key financial information from a single screen. Members moving between job sites, offices, and home environments benefit from a seamless experience across desktop and mobile platforms.

“Today’s businesses have a new definition of ‘community,’ and credit unions have always understood the importance of supporting strong, connected communities,” VanBeek said.

About Arise Financial

Arise Federal Credit Union, doing business as Arise Financial, is a federally insured, member-owned financial cooperative founded in 1922. Headquartered in Rockland, Massachusetts, the $3.7 billion credit union serves more than 220,000 members throughout Massachusetts and beyond. For more than a century, Arise Financial has helped individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through trusted guidance, competitive products, and convenient banking solutions. Today, Arise Financial continues that legacy by combining personalized service with modern technology to make banking simpler, smarter, and more accessible. Committed to strengthening the financial well-being of its members and the communities it serves, Arise Financial provides the tools, expertise, and support people need to navigate every stage of life with confidence. For more information, visit arisefi.org.

Media Contact

Samantha Apostolakes
sapostolakes@arisefi.org

HACKENSACK, NJ, August 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- 27 former patients of New Jersey physician Ritesh Kalra filed a civil lawsuit (Cause No: BER-L-007809-26) on Monday, August 17, 2026, alleging a years-long pattern of sexual abuse, exploitation, and other misconduct during medical appointments.  

The lawsuit alleges that Kalra used his control over patients’ prescription medications as leverage, including by lowering medication doses after some patients allegedly resisted sexual advances.

The complaint, filed by Andreozzi and Foote in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen County, names Ritesh Kalra, the doctor himself, Ritesh Kalra, MD, LLC, a limited liability company, and ten unidentified responsible individuals as defendants. The 27 plaintiffs include 24 women and three men. 

According to the lawsuit, Kalra worked as an internist and provided primary care and pain-management services. He operated many offices throughout Bergen and Hudson County, including but not limited to Fairlawn, Jersey City, and Secaucus. 

“The complaint alleges that Kalra sexually exploited patients who depended on him for medical care and, in some instances, used control over their prescription medication as a means of coercion or retaliation,” said Nathaniel Foote, Partner at Andreozzi + Foote. “Our clients are seeking accountability through the civil justice system, and we intend to pursue these claims on their behalf.

Kalra is awaiting trial on a separate 58-count federal indictment that includes 36 counts of unlawful distribution of controlled substances, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and 21 counts of health care fraud. According to federal court records, between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued approximately 31,289 oxycodone prescriptions to more than 1,500 patients. The civil complaint states that the federal investigation also found that Kalra demanded sexual favors from patients to obtain prescriptions.

The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners also suspended Kalra’s medical license and CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substances) registration in August 2025, citing allegations of indiscriminate prescribing and prescribing CDS without a legitimate medical purpose. 

The plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages and have demanded a jury trial.

About Andreozzi + Foote

Andreozzi + Foote is one of the nation’s leading sexual abuse law firms with a history of representing survivors in cases against large and powerful organizations including Penn State University, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Catholic Church. The trauma-informed sexual abuse lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote are committed to obtaining life-changing results for victims and their families. For more information, visit www.victimscivilattorneys.com.

Media Contact

Andreozzi + Foote
marias@vca.law
+1 717-807-5808

SINGAPORE, August 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Headline consumer price inflation eases to 3.4% year-on-year in the Bureau of Labor Statistic's latest official CPI release, a second consecutive monthly decline. The reading comes down from a recent peak of 3.5% and matches analyst expectations, and Davis Park Management reads it as disinflation that is real but incomplete. Wage pressures slow to their weakest annual rate of increase in five years, whilst core inflation moderates to 2.5% on the same basis. The energy index nonetheless carries an annual gain of 14.7%.

The month-on-month advance registers just 0.1%, following a 0.4% contraction over the preceding month, and its composition matters more than its level. Shelter accounts for nearly two-thirds of that all-items increase despite rising only 0.1% on the month. The contribution reflects category weight within the basket rather than accelerating housing costs, and owners’ equivalent rent climbs 0.3% over the same month.

Energy prices decline 1.5% over the month, following a 5.7% decrease across the preceding period, yet the annual comparison remains sharply positive. Pump prices remain 24.6% higher on that basis. Research on the conflict’s pass-through projects headline personal consumption expenditure inflation rising 1.7 percentage points at an annualised rate over a quarter of Strait of Hormuz closure. Roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and natural gas supply remains suspended, so monthly declines reflect demand adjustment rather than any easing of the structural constraint.

Core prices rise 0.2% on the month after holding flat over the preceding period, with the annual rate easing to 2.5% from 2.6%. That returns the measure to levels last recorded before the onset of the Iran conflict. Speaking in his capacity as Director of Private Equity at Davis Park Management Pte. Ltd., Michael Sheldon treats the release as a test of process rather than a trigger for action, holding that “a print that confirms the direction of travel is not the same as a print that changes the framework.” Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, characterises the in-line reading as sustaining the case against further tightening, though headline inflation persists 1.4 percentage points above the 2% target.

Fixed income markets enter the most recent Federal Reserve meeting with pricing that reflects genuine uncertainty about the next move. Futures contracts assign roughly a one-third probability to an increase at that meeting, having earlier priced an 82% likelihood at the next scheduled gathering. That figure falls to 42% once the latest release lands, as contained core inflation meets deteriorating employment data. Quotes now imply the effective rate climbs roughly 30 basis points to around 4% by the close of the year, whilst Morgan Stanley analysts project a hold and then reductions in the first half of the following year.

The dual mandate assigned by Congress encompasses maximum employment and price stability, with the latter defined as 2% annual inflation. The Federal Open Market Committee measures that target on the personal consumption expenditures index. Fed Governor Lisa Cook identifies inflation risks as her primary concern before the meeting, noting that the index has risen 3.7% on an annual basis, 1.7 percentage points above target. Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson remarks the following day that reconsidering the stance could be warranted should inflation fail to moderate.

Employment conditions sharpen the assessment, with the most recent payroll data recording 23,000 job losses against a forecast of 95,000 gains. The shortfall shifts the balance of evidence towards restraint rather than further tightening. Seema Shah, chief global strategist at Principal Asset Management, treats the two releases together as grounds for lower expectations of an increase at the next meeting, subject to a similarly subdued reading the month after. The Committee votes 9 to 3 to hold the target range at 3.5% to 3.75%, each dissenting vote favouring a rise.

Forecasts point to gradual moderation through the second half of the year, though the pace and distribution vary considerably across regions. The International Monetary Fund projects headline inflation at 4.7% before a decline to 3.9% the following year. Conditions of this kind warrant measured review rather than repositioning on a single reading, and Davis Park Management reads the third quarter as a natural checkpoint for frameworks set before the conflict reshaped energy market assumptions. Sheldon points to selective deployment under written entry criteria and return points fixed in advance as the frame for assessing inflation-adjusted return expectations, observing that “the discipline that matters is agreeing the return point before the data arrives, never afterwards.”

About Davis Park Management

Founded in 2012, Davis Park Management Pte. Ltd. (UEN: 201201582D) is a Singapore capital management firm organised around what each pool of funds must support: what must stay available, what can remain committed, and what must hold together through change. Six services span role mapping, reserve and access, long-horizon commitment, recurring distribution, selective deployment, and continuity through change. Its method rests on written constraints, defined decision authority, and a return point fixed in advance, revisited whenever scale, ownership, or jurisdiction shifts. It serves private clients, foundations, institutional investors, and adviser-led relationships, and evaluates wrappers that could broaden participation under appropriate gating. For more information, visit davispm.com.

Media Contact

c.jun@davispm.com

NEW YORK, NY, August 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- TravelX, the AI-native pioneer in post-booking revenue management, announced that Kaszek, Latin America's leading venture capital firm, made a substantial investment in its platform, bringing the company's total funding to $45 million.

The investment marks Kaszek's first foray into the aviation technology space, reflecting its conviction that artificial intelligence is creating an entirely new category of revenue management solutions, one capable of transforming airline inventory from a static asset into dynamic, continuously optimized inventory. TravelX believes this shift represents a major boon to the global airline travel industry that will help it cross the trillion-dollar revenue threshold.

"Artificial intelligence is reshaping every major industry, and we believe aviation is another high-potential opportunity market to be redefined," said Nicolas Berman, partner at Kaszek. "TravelX isn't simply improving an existing process; its AI-native platform has the potential to fundamentally change how airlines monetize inventory, optimize their networks, and serve travelers. We are excited to partner with the TravelX team as they build what we believe can become a defining technology company in global aviation."

With the backing of Kaszek, TravelX has completed a Series A financing round, with participation from Thayer Ventures, which will accelerate product innovation, expand TravelX's AI platform, strengthen its global commercial presence, and support the company's mission to become the intelligence layer powering the next generation of airline revenue management.

"For decades, airlines have optimized the moment a ticket is sold. We have proven there are huge, untapped revenue opportunities that begin after the booking," said Juan Pablo Lafosse, CEO of TravelX. "Every day, millions of airline seats become more or less valuable as demand, operations, and customer circumstances evolve. AI allows airlines to respond to those changes continuously, transforming static inventory into a dynamic commercial asset. We're proud that Kaszek shares this vision and excited to build the future of airline commerce together."

For decades, airline inventory has remained largely static once a ticket is issued, limiting an airline's ability to respond to changing demand, operational disruptions, and evolving customer needs. Unlike traditional revenue management systems that rely primarily on forecasting demand before a ticket is sold, TravelX continuously analyzes real-time operational conditions, customer behavior, network demand, and commercial opportunities after booking. The platform enables airlines to make intelligent inventory decisions throughout the customer journey, maximizing profitability while improving operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction.

Today, TravelX partners with some of the world's most innovative airlines, including Viva, Volaris, AirAsia, WestJet, GOL, Scoot and Cebu Pacific, with more global airline deployments currently underway.

About TravelX

TravelX is the AI-native pioneer in post-booking revenue management. Its machine learning models transform static bookings into dynamic, real-time inventory, giving airlines new revenue streams and giving passengers greater flexibility. For more information, visit travelx.com.

About Kaszek

Kaszek is the leading venture capital firm in LATAM, partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs to build lasting, high-impact technology-based companies. Founded in 2011 by Hernán Kazah, co-founder of MercadoLibre, and Nicolás Szekasy, MercadoLibre's former CFO, Kaszek has raised more than $3 billion dollars across nine funds and backed more than 130 technology companies, including Nubank, QuintoAndar, Kavak, Creditas, Bitso, Wellhub, and Nuvemshop. For more information, visit kaszek.com.

Media Contact

TravelX
henry.obyrne@travelx.io

Kaszek
pr@kaszek.co

MIAMI, FL, August 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- HelloGov AI, Inc. ("HelloGov") and Document Advisor, Inc. ("iVisa") today announced the completion of their merger, forming the world's largest international AI-powered consumer passport and visa platform. The combined company — which officially merged on July 1, 2026 — operates under the HelloGov brand, and is expected to process more than 1.5 million passport and visa applications annually.

The transaction strategically combined two complementary businesses that already served the same customer at different stages of international travel planning. iVisa provides visa and travel-authorization services across more than 100 destinations, supported by the largest continuously maintained database of global visa requirements. HelloGov provides AI-assisted U.S. passport services, specialist application review and access to a marketplace of passport couriers registered with the U.S. Department of State.

The combined company expects the merger to generate value across three key areas. First, a complementary product offering that allows a single platform to serve the full documentation requirement for an international trip. Second, expanded distribution through HelloGov's U.S. channel partnerships. Third, a shared technology and compliance infrastructure, in which HelloGov's AI-assisted application review is extended across a broader document set.

"Government documentation remains one of the biggest unsolved problems from a usability point of view," said Adam Boalt, co-founder of HelloGov. "The government agencies that process these applications do so with considerable reliability at enormous scale. What's never existed at scale is the usability layer around it that makes the process more convenient: the guidance, the error-checking, the support for complex cases, the largest network of hand-carry couriers for passport and visa applications, all registered with the U.S Department of State. Individually, we built passport and visa solutions that make the process more convenient for the end consumer. Combined, we intend to build the solution for every government document a citizen and business needs."

"iVisa has operated independently since 2013, serving millions of travelers in that time," said David Perez, co-founder of iVisa. "Before the merger, we asked one question: would we be stronger together? The answer was very clear, yes. We share the same vision and mission of making it easier for people to get the documents they need through the use of technology, AI and human support. We’re incredibly excited that this merger accelerates our shared vision of becoming the all-in-one platform for government applications."

"Together, we're building a network of global commercial partners that puts convenient government applications right where people are already thinking about applying, like at the airport before a flight or in their pre-check app or where they obtain their passport photo," said Europe-based Sergio Merino, co-founder of iVisa. "And what really excites us now is taking it further, building the same kind of partnerships around the world for every document a person or a business needs."

 "The strategic case for the merger was about revenue synergies, reducing overhead and operating leverage,” said Brian LaBasco, co-founder of HelloGov. “Both businesses were acquiring and servicing the same customer separately. Combined, we can optimize and enhance the entire customer journey while also upgrading the experience with AI support, real-time tracking and human assistance. Looking forward, we’re going to use our combined decades of experience in the GovTech space to launch services for business formation and vehicle registration too.”

HelloGov has plans to extend the platform to additional government document categories, including the recently launched business formation services and vehicle and tag and title services launching later in the year.

About HelloGov

HelloGov AI, Inc. is an AI-powered consumer and business platform for government documentation. Following its merger with iVisa, the company combines thirteen years of global visa infrastructure with an AI-assisted passport application platform across more than 100 destinations and 14 languages. HelloGov's services will be available to customers globally through retail partnerships and travel memberships. Every application receives specialist review. HelloGov is a private company registered with the U.S. Department of State as a hand-carry passport courier, and it operates a marketplace of independent registered couriers. For more information, visit hellogov.com.

Disclaimer

HelloGov AI, Inc. ("HelloGov") and its subsidiary iVisa are private commercial entities. HelloGov is not a government agency, is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State, and is not affiliated with any foreign government or embassy. HelloGov provides third-party application preparation, AI-assisted review, and courier coordination services for an additional fee. Registration as a hand-carry passport courier with the U.S. Department of State allows submission and pick-up of applications at regional agencies on behalf of clients; it does not constitute government endorsement, authorization to issue government documents, or a guarantee of application approval or processing times. Government application forms and official information are available free of charge directly from official government portals (e.g., travel.state.gov). Third-party service fees are separate from non-refundable government processing fees. Forward-looking statements regarding future product launches, partnerships, and application volume expectations are based on current projections and subject to operational change.

Media Contact

Paula Voto Bernales
pr@hellogov.com

NEW YORK, NY, August 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- For all the talk of efficiency and money invested in AI programs, work is still getting in the way of work. And ironically, AI has a lot to do with it. That’s the finding of a field study of 680 processes at 128 companies across 10 sector groups, conducted by Ace Workflow. At six of those companies, every step of every process was timed: 187 processes, 2,546 hours a week of ordinary work, stated by the people who do it.

The State of Work report shows the leaks predominate in five key areas: reporting, onboarding, invoicing and billing, approvals, and CRM cleanup.

What Keeps Work From Working?

Two-thirds of recoverable time comes in the top 10% of projects, with nearly half coming in the top 5%. That’s potentially good news for companies looking to concentrate correction efforts, with an important exception: 13.4% of processes run under an hour a week, so they stay manual.

Surprisingly, AI creates a manual problem because there’s too much of it. The waste isn't inside the software. It's in the gaps between all the platforms. The media for timed companies is 52 different tools in total, while the average process touches 2.9 tools. And nearly half of all handoffs, 48.9%, are a person carrying work from one tool to another. So, new tools have not yet changed the way of work.

Asked what's wrong with their work, people didn't say it was slow. They said they couldn't see clearly where their work is, from where necessary updates are being reported to where the latest drafts of key documents are filed. Complaints about visibility outnumbered complaints about speed 4.5 to 1.

What’s the Bill?

To come up with the cost, Ace Workflow isolated six companies and timed 187 real processes that produce 2,546 hours a week of ordinary work — who does it, in which tools, how long every step takes, stated by the people who do it. On average among timed companies, 424 hours of work a week produce 110 recoverable hours. Across a 46-week year at $100 an hour, that's $510,000 annually.

“The waste hides in handoffs, switching between apps as people who are drowning in tools struggle to do more with less,” said Tim Rodgers, founder and CEO of Ace Workflow. “AI’s biggest payoff isn’t performing tasks faster; it’s eliminating the waste that eats at corporate productivity and ultimately profit.”

To help, Rodgers’ new platform Ace Work has AI agents interview 100% of employees continuously. The result is a complete portrait of how work is getting done and a map of pressure points, compared instantaneously to the 128-company database. Ace Work then builds diagnostics and automations within a company’s existing toolkit.

Ace Work is the latest innovation for the three-year-old company, which has doubled every year by providing solutions to companies like Paramount and Airbnb. For example, Ace accelerated Airbnb’s verification system, increased Tishman Speyer applications by 300%, and saved 30-person Hollywood agency Maximum Effort 15 days/week in employee time.

Interestingly, Ace grew out of Rehab, an agency Rodgers created to leverage emerging technologies for such advertisers as Google and Nike. Once the team started building no-code workflows that could replicate three-month projects from engineering teams in one week with a single operator, Rodgers shuttered Rehab and opened Ace Workflow.

About Ace Workflow

Ace Workflow is an operational intelligence company. It finds the manual work draining client teams, rebuilds it inside their existing tools, and runs it. The model is services-as-software: high-touch delivery at software scale. The company has a team of 50+ across New York, LA, London, and Lisbon, and has delivered 311 projects for 100+ companies. Ace Workflow works with companies across agencies, media and entertainment, consumer brands, technology, real estate, and more. For more information, visit aceworkflow.io.

Media Contact

Fred Pfaff
fred@fredpfaffinc.com
+1 917-902-6883

WUHU, China, August 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Since July 2026, LEPAS, Chery Auto's all-new NEV brand, has launched three core models in Southeast Asia: the LEPAS L6 EV in Thailand, the LEPAS L8 PHEV at the Indonesia Brand Night, and the LEPAS L4 EV at the 2026 Indonesia International Auto Show with its official pricing announced. The three-model rollout marks steady progress for the brand while bringing more diverse green mobility options to Southeast Asian consumers.

As global NEV adoption continues to rise, LEPAS's accelerated rollout in Southeast Asia goes beyond a series of product launches, marking a new execution stage in its global NEV strategy. Building on this high-growth market, LEPAS is strengthening its NEV product and services to support further expansion across global markets.

As one of the fastest-growing NEV markets in the world, Southeast Asia is emerging as a key market for global NEV brands, driven by favorable policies and growing consumer demand. LEPAS's entry comes at a time when the region's energy transition is accelerating, driven by rapid urbanization, growing demand for alternatives to ICE vehicles, and rising consumer expectations toward higher-quality, more intelligent experiences. These trends are driving demand for greener NEV solutions better suited to local needs.

LEPAS addresses these needs with a localized NEV portfolio built around its Elegant Technology, covering multiple powertrains and diverse mobility scenarios. In addition to BEV and PHEV options, the lineup has been locally tuned for Southeast Asia's humid tropical climate, complex road conditions, and driving habits. This ensures that NEV technology truly serves people, effectively addressing real-world mobility needs and delivering an elegant driving experience.

As Southeast Asian markets tighten vehicle import policies and accelerate localization, conventional sales models alone can no longer meet evolving market requirements. Leveraging Chery Auto's global capabilities, LEPAS has established localized operations and compliance systems, and works closely with local partners across R&D and manufacturing, parts supply, sales and service, and the aftermarket. LEPAS is also supporting the development of charging networks, intelligent maintenance, and green industrial chain synergies — not only providing a replicable model for regional energy transition, but also creating long-term value by sharing the benefits of green mobility with Southeast Asia.

About LEPAS

LEPAS is Chery Auto’s mid-to-premium NEV brand, dedicated to creating elegant mobility experiences for users worldwide. Committed to becoming the Preferred Brand for Elegant Mobility Life, LEPAS brings together Leopard Aesthetics, Elegant Technology, and Exquisite Space — transforming elegance into a driving experience you can see, feel, and trust. Supported by a growing global dealer network of more than 500 sales and service outlets, LEPAS is expanding its international footprint through localized operations, delivering products and experiences tailored to users across global markets. For more information, visit lepasinternational.com.

About Chery Auto

Founded in 1997, Chery Auto is a global automotive manufacturer specializing in vehicle development, intelligent technologies, and new energy solutions. The company operates in more than 130 countries and regions, supported by a strong international network of research, production, and strategic partnerships. Chery Auto has remained China’s No. 1 passenger vehicle exporter among Chinese brands for 23 consecutive years. Guided by its global philosophy of "In somewhere, For somewhere, Be somewhere," Chery Auto is committed to advancing sustainable mobility through continuous innovation and global collaboration. 

Media Contact

Vincy Wang
LEPAS International
wangxi23@mychery.com

SACRAMENTO, CA, August 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) today announced the opening of a grant registration period for the Earthquake Multi-Unit Retrofit Program (EMR), running from August 19 through September 30, 2026. The program offers incentive payments to owners of older multi-unit apartment buildings required to retrofit under their city's mandatory soft-story ordinance, helping offset the cost of bringing these buildings into compliance.

EMR is available to qualifying wood-frame buildings with five to ten units, built before January 1, 1991, with a soft, weak, or open front (SWOF) seismic deficiency, where the building owner has received a notice and order from their city to retrofit under that city's mandatory ordinance. Eligible buildings must be located in one of 14 California cities that have adopted such ordinances: Albany, Berkeley, Mill Valley, Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose in Northern California; and Beverly Hills, Burbank, Culver City, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Torrance, and West Hollywood in Southern California.

Eligible building owners can receive an incentive payment covering 70% of engineering and permit fees, up to $7,000, along with 70% of retrofit construction costs, up to $4,260 per unit. In total, EMR provides earthquake retrofit grant assistance up to $49,600 for multi-family buildings. The EMR grant program is administered by CRMP, a Joint Powers Authority between the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

"These grant programs help us protect vulnerable buildings, and those who live within them, from the near certainty of an earthquake," said Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer, California Earthquake Authority. "Buildings that qualify for this grant are already required by law to retrofit under their city's ordinance. We are proud to be able to offer these funds to make those retrofits more affordable."

In addition to EMR, CRMP administers the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) and Earthquake Soft-Story (ESS) grant programs. In 2025, CRMP provided grant funding for 6,811 retrofits.

"Earthquake retrofits create a safer and more resilient California," said Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer, California Earthquake Authority. "Helping building owners afford the retrofits their cities already require means safer homes for thousands of California renters. Each retrofit brings us one step closer to a better-prepared California.”

Beginning August 19 and running through September 30, 2026, eligible building owners can register for a retrofit grant. To receive CRMP retrofit program email updates, such as registration information or when a program has expanded to a new area of California, sign up at crmp.org.

About California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP)

CRMP was established in 2011 to help Californians strengthen their homes against damage from earthquakes. CRMP is a joint powers authority created by the California Earthquake Authority and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. For more information, please visit crmp.org.

About Earthquake Multi-Unit Retrofit (EMR)

The CRMP Earthquake Multi-Unit Retrofit (EMR) program builds on the success of the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) and Earthquake Soft-Story (ESS) programs. While EBB and ESS focus on strengthening older single-family homes — typically built before 1980 — through the addition of anchor bolts and plywood to improve structural stability, EMR is designed specifically for multi-family buildings with five to ten units built before 1991. Learn further details about EMR's expansion in California.

Media Contact

Sheri Pierce
spierce@calquake.com
+1 279-203-1426

Patrick George
pgeorge@ka-pow.com
+1 916-202-1982

TAMPA, FL, August 18, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- DFCU Financial, originally founded as Ford Engineering Employees Federal Credit Union, has grown exponentially since its founding in 1950. Expanding its reach in Michigan markets like Bloomfield Township and White Lake Township through additional branches, and entering the Florida market with multiple mergers and acquisitions, the credit union is breaking into regions that specifically benefit from its services.

At DFCU Financial, success for one means success for all. As a cooperative financial services model, members of the credit union are also owners. The institution prioritizes the people and communities it serves rather than stockholders. 

“When we achieve financial success for our institution, we share that success with members,” says Ryan Goldberg, president and CEO. “Our loan portfolio is growing; our deposit portfolio is growing. Because of our high performance, we can control our own destiny. Whether through the incorporation of new technology, enhanced products and services, or new branches, our shared success model benefits everybody involved.”

One way DFCU Financial gives back is through comprehensive financial services that address consumer, business, and investment needs. The credit union meets people where they are, providing both convenient digital offerings and hyper-local brick-and-mortar branches. What’s most important, says Goldberg, is the confidence that comes from being able to make a choice.

“Some members may choose to do their banking through a digital channel 95% of the time, but they appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing that if a complex matter arises, they can speak with a professional in person,” says Goldberg. “This is especially true for entrepreneurs, who may need help navigating decisions like whether or not to buy a business.”

Investing in people is at the heart of DFCU Financial’s commitment to the communities it serves, supporting both members and non-members alike. The credit union invests heavily in financial education, helping individuals and families build stronger financial futures and bridge generational gaps to wealth. One way DFCU Financial delivers on that commitment is through free educational webinars covering topics such as budgeting, homeownership, retirement planning, and money management, many of which have introduced new members to the organization. DFCU Financial also partners with local schools to provide financial education initiatives that help students develop smart financial habits and confidence with money at an early age.

In 2006, DFCU Financial launched a Cash Back program that has put $511 million back in the pockets of its members. Offering $25 at the entry level all the way up to $10,000 annually, the program is different from others of its kind as it pays on deposits and loans, thereby rewarding not just savers but borrowers too.

These dividends make big differences in peoples’ lives. “Each year, we receive letters about how those dividends affect our members’ lives in some manner,” says Goldberg. “It’s helped students cover their books for a semester and helped others avoid accruing credit card debt over replacing a kitchen appliance. One member even shared that their Cash Back dividend paid entirely for a family cruise vacation. We love to give back to our members just like they’ve given to us.”

About DFCU Financial

DFCU Financial is a leading Michigan-based credit union founded in 1950. With more than 240,000 members and over $8 billion in assets, DFCU has 30 full-service branches in metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Lansing, MI, as well as five in Tampa Bay area, one in Naples, FL and one in Ft. Myers, FL, and two in Central Florida (Winter Park and Longwood). Each location is staffed by local financial specialists uniquely qualified to help members and businesses achieve important financial milestones. DFCU offers a wide range of financial products and services, along with unique member benefits, including industry-leading Cash Back program. Recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions for 2026, DFCU Financial has earned additional recognition from Forbes and S&P Global Market Intelligence for its performance. The credit union’s Cash Back program has returned more than half a billion dollars to members over 20 years. For more information, visit www.dfcufinancial.com.

Disclaimer

Cash Back payments are subject to DFCU Financial’s eligibility requirements, program terms and conditions, and may vary based on an individual member’s qualifying accounts and activity. Past Cash Back payments and examples of member experiences are provided for informational purposes only and do not guarantee future payments or financial outcomes. Membership eligibility and other restrictions may apply.

Media Contact

Sarah Perez
SVP, Marketing Manager, DFCU Financial
Sarah.Perez@dfcufinancial.com
+1 813-925-5864

ENGLEWOOD, CO, August 18, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Founded in 1938 to serve employees of Public Service Company of Colorado (now part of Xcel Energy), Canvas Credit Union has grown to over $5 billion in assets with nearly 330,000 members and 725 employees. It now ranks as the third-largest credit union in Colorado and among the top 75 credit unions nationwide by asset size.

“We started with a shoebox and some cash and grew from there,” Chad Shane said, president and CEO of Canvas Credit Union. “We started by serving the underserved — people that banks often won’t serve — and that continues to this day. At Canvas, we want everyone to have access to quality banking.”

As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, Canvas offers the same products as banks but without being beholden to shareholders.

“Instead of sitting in meetings discussing returns to shareholders, our board and staff are focused on how best to serve our members and run the organization efficiently,” Shane added.

The Power of Working Together

Much of Canvas’ long-term success can be attributed to relationships with both members and business partners. For members, Canvas provides a broad range of products and services, from mortgages and auto loans — where it ranks among Colorado’s top auto lenders — to commercial lending, a relatively uncommon offering for credit unions. It also emphasizes accessible, in-person service.

“With 35 branches statewide, our members are assured they can walk in and talk to a human any time they’d like,” Shane said.

Schools are among Canvas’ most important community partners. Beyond supporting financial education in middle schools, high schools, and universities, Canvas aims to be a true partner to local institutions — not just in name, but in impact.

“At Colorado State University, our name is on the football stadium, but we also partner with students on case studies and help NIL student athletes with financial education,” Shane said.

Canvas recently established its first professional sports partnership with Denver Summit FC, a Denver-based women’s soccer team.

“Athletics are very important to the Colorado community, and we’re all about the community,” Shane said.

Beyond sports, Canvas supports first responder heroes including police officers, firefighters, and active and retired military.

“We help create awareness of what they do for the community,” Shane said. “We also financially support them whenever needed, especially families of fallen first responders.”

Community Support Pays Dividends

With nearly 330,000 members, Canvas leverages the strength of its deposits to support lending that helps drive local economic growth. And while the organization continues to invest in technology and compliance, it recognizes that community impact begins with its employees.

“We are all about people and culture,” Shane said. “If we take good care of employees, they take care of our members. Employees are not just numbers to us.”

Shane, who has been with the organization for almost 15 years, worked his way up from vice president of lending to chief lending officer before becoming CEO in 2024. The trajectory helped him understand the importance of managing relationships for the success of the organization.

“I’m a big believer in teamwork, collaboration, and doing things for the greater good,” Shane concluded. “I’m driven to help us be the best financial institution we can be.”

About Canvas Credit Union

Canvas Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with over $5 billion in assets serving more than 330,000 members. Canvas provides a full array of financial products and services, including savings, checking, loans, mortgages, and online and mobile banking options. Serving Colorado communities for more than 87 years, Canvas currently has 35 branches and is well recognized for its people, its heart, and its commitment to community. For more information, visit canvas.org.

Media Contact

canvas@dovetailsolutions.com

MERIDIAN, ID, August 18, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Frontier Credit Union today announced the expansion of its total footprint to 16 branches across Idaho and Montana.The new locations mark a key milestone in the credit union’s purpose-driven growth strategy, bringing localized financial services and competitive rates to rural communities and cities, including several designated as underserved counties where Frontier stands as the sole financial institution.

Over 55,000 members across the region rely on Frontier Credit Union to navigate ongoing financial and affordability challenges.

“Life’s most vital goals — homeownership, starting a family, opening a business, or saving for retirement — seem unattainable for many,” said Dan Thurman, President and CEO of Frontier Credit Union. “Credit unions can help fill that gap: stimulating the local economy, delivering modern financial services at a lower cost, and championing organizations that make communities better places to live, work, and worship.”

Member-owned credit unions like Frontier operate as not-for-profit financial institutions led by local volunteer boards. Instead of distributing profits to stockholders, earnings are returned directly to the communities they serve through lower fees, reduced balance requirements, and competitive interest rates on loans, credit cards, and savings accounts.

Fiscally strong and stable, Frontier provides full-service financial solutions for consumers, businesses, municipalities, and organizations, alongside a full suite of online services as well as investment planning. But, unlike traditional banks, Frontier’s highest priority is member satisfaction. From day one, members enjoy over-the-top service, regardless of account size. 

“What we do is listen, understand our members’ needs, and work together to help them be in a better financial place than when they started,” says Tina Davis, Chief Marketing Officer of Frontier Credit Union. “That approach is rooted in relationships and community.”

Thurman notes that Frontier team members operate with a solution-oriented mindset inspired by the institution's history. “Following the legacy of our first CEO, Arlene Walker, who always found a way to overcome obstacles, we explore every option. When we can’t assist, we help members map out a plan to help them reach their goals.”

Purposeful Regional Growth

Frontier’s expansion into Butte and surrounding markets is designed to deliver targeted economic support to local communities. Rather than seeking a larger presence for its own sake, the credit union strategically enters areas where it can collaborate directly with civic leaders and local changemakers.

For example, prior to opening its branch in Driggs, Idaho, Frontier responded to a request from Mayor August Christensen by providing the city with a six-month, 0% loan to complete a municipal project expanding local daycare services.

“Our goal,” Thurman concluded, “is to be the best financial institution our communities can rely on.”

In 2026, Frontier Credit Union will contribute more than $100,000 and 1,500 volunteer hours to various nonprofit organizations. Through its CEI Visa® Spirit credit and debit card program, transaction revenue helps fund STEM education at the College of Eastern Idaho. Additionally, after awarding scholarships to 24 local students for the 4-H Know Your Government Conference in 2025, Frontier is awarding $17,000 in 4-H scholarships to students in 2026.

About Frontier Credit Union

Founded in 1935, Frontier Credit Union is a full-service, member-owned financial institution headquartered in Idaho Falls. With a mission to build better lives, Frontier serves thousands of members across Idaho and Montana through innovative financial solutions, community investment and education-focused initiatives. For more information, visit frontiercreditunion.com.

Media Contact

Tina Davis
Chief Marketing Officer
tdavis@frontiercreditunion.com

KEY WEST, FL, August 18, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Keys Federal Credit Union (Keys FCU) today announced that it now serves more than 18,000 members across the Florida Keys, marking a major milestone in the financial institution’s 85-year history. Headquartered in Key West, the credit union operates six branches connecting residents, local business owners, and military personnel from a wide range of occupations and backgrounds across the island chain.

Founded in 1940 by nine civil service employees at Naval Air Station Key West, Keys FCU has grown significantly from its military roots while maintaining its close base connection and expanding its reach to the broader community.

“We’re driven by the needs of our members,” said Maggie Sayer, CEO of Keys Federal Credit Union. “We’re all part of these communities, and we understand how important it is to be there when people need us. Our mission is to serve the people who make these islands their home. There is a lot of diversity in the Keys and each community has its own history here. We try to embody that diversity by hiring team members who speak a variety of languages and mirror our membership. We want the communities to understand that we’re here to serve them.”

Membership at the member-owned, not-for-profit credit union is open to anyone who lives or works in the Florida Keys and their immediate family members. Earnings are reinvested back to members in the form of better rates, fewer fees, and enhanced services.

Supporting the Community

As a Key West native, Sayer has experienced firsthand how closely connected the community can be during difficult times, having witnessed both the devastation caused by hurricanes and tropical storms as well as the supportive community response that follows.

“The Keys are not always an easy place to live,” Sayer said. “Our members know what it’s like to lose their cars because of a flood, or to have five feet of water in their homes after a hurricane. If you’re still here after you’ve been through a few of those experiences, you understand the value of community.”

Keys FCU has often played a direct role in these recovery efforts. Following Hurricane Irma, the credit union provided more than $7 million in unsecured loans to help residents recover.

“Other financial institutions might not make that same decision, but we did,” Sayer said. “That kind of community-based thinking is at the core of who we are. It informs everything, from how we serve our members to the types of loans we make.”

Empowering Local Small Businesses

This “locals helping locals” philosophy also shapes the credit union’s business banking approach. While there might be more profit in providing financing to investors looking to purchase short-term rental properties, Keys FCU focuses on supporting the region’s local small businesses.

“We’re focused on serving our members and providing products designed around them,” Sayer said. “If you’re a landscaper or a kayak tour company, what matters most to you? Things like cash-back checking, low minimum balance requirements, and convenient digital services like online bill pay and transfers. We’re offering the products that work for the businesses in our community.”

About Keys Federal Credit Union

Founded by local residents in 1940, Keys Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution serving those who live or work in the Florida Keys, their families and the local military community. With six branches throughout the Keys and a local volunteer board of directors, Keys FCU provides personal and business financial services while investing in financial education and the communities it serves. Guided by its longstanding mission of “Locals Helping Locals,” the credit union remains focused on helping members save money, build wealth and achieve their financial goals. For more information, visit www.keysfcu.org.

Media Contact

Robin Anson
Marketing Director
robin.anson@keysfcu.org

FREDERICK, MD, August 18, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Nymeo Federal Credit Union today announced its recent geographic expansion into three additional counties in Maryland, three counties in West Virginia, and one county in Pennsylvania. The regional growth reflects a concerted effort to bring Nymeo’s (pronounced NIM-eo) personalized financial services, flexible lending, and digital banking technology to a broader base of potential members across the tri-state area. Digital accessibility remains a central focus of the expansion, alongside active integration into the local culture of each new region to establish effective community partnerships and address regional financial needs.

For a credit union to survive nearly a century is a testament to its foundational pillars and a loyal, well-served customer base. Founded in 1933, Nymeo’s pillars include individualized service, a dedication to innovation, and a culture of caring for credit union members, employees, and the community alike.

“Everything we do is guided by our ‘people helping people’ philosophy,” said Vicki Johnston, CEO of Nymeo Federal Credit Union. “We care, we listen, and we do the right thing. That’s what has guided us for almost 100 years, and it’s what will continue guiding us into our next century of service.”

Evolving Through Innovation

Serving individuals, families, businesses, and local nonprofits, Nymeo recognizes the power of AI to enhance banking operations and craft hyper-personalized member experiences through data-driven insights, while evaluating new technology with a strict focus on security and compliance.

“The data shows our members want more self-service options and more seamless digital-first relationships that lead to faster banking,” Johnston said. “We’re continually investing in technology that keeps us on par with large fintech institutions, but with the personalized touch of a local provider.”

That personalized ethos extends to creative solutions such as the Merchant Financing Program, which supports local trade businesses — including HVAC, auto repair, and roofing providers—by offering point-of-sale financing to their customers. Nymeo also provides flexible lending practices that accommodate non-traditional income sources for individuals in the creator and gig economies.

“We’re also investing in employee tools that strengthen our workforce and make workflow more efficient and effective,” Johnston said, noting that Nymeo has earned multiple Best Places to Work recognitions. “Technology changes fast, and we’re excited for the new opportunities of tomorrow.”

Serving as a Force for Good

Beyond banking, Nymeo maintains a dedicated commitment to community service, focusing on initiatives that support children, animals, and hunger relief.

Through its $wipe-Out-Hunger program, Nymeo donates a percentage of every debit card purchase to the Maryland Food Bank, funding more than 226,000 local meals since the initiative began.

Additionally, Nymeo invests time and resources into professional development and mentorship programs designed to empower the next generation with career mobility and healthy financial habits.

“Our vision is to create lifelong financial partnerships that strengthen families, businesses, and communities,” Johnston concluded. “We prioritize well-being for everyone we serve.”

About Nymeo Federal Credit Union

Founded in 1933, Nymeo Federal Credit Union offers a full range of personal and business financial solutions and is committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through personalized service, innovative products, and a deep commitment to the communities it serves. Nymeo lives by the slogan, “a new way to look at money,” reflecting its focus on empowering members with thoughtful financial solutions. Nymeo serves members who live, work, worship, attend school, volunteer, or regularly conduct business in Frederick, Montgomery, Carroll, Howard, and Washington counties in Maryland; Franklin County, Pennsylvania; and Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties in West Virginia. For more information, visit www.nymeo.org.

Media Contact

Gwen Farrell
Marketing and Community Relations Manager
Gfarrell@nymeo.org
+1 855-436-4100

COLUMBUS, OH, August 18, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Pathways Financial Credit Union today announced that it now serves more than 59,000 members across Ohio and Kentucky, marking a major milestone in the institution's continued growth. With assets now exceeding $750 million, the Columbus-based credit union has established itself as one of the fastest-growing credit unions in the country over the past decade.

The growth represents a significant evolution since CEO Michael Shafer joined Pathways in 1999, when the credit union managed approximately $21 million in assets with 4,000 members and seven employees.

Whether helping a young member open a first account, guiding a family through homeownership, or supporting a small business during transition, Pathways focuses on building financial confidence at every stage of life.

“The single greatest indicator of our success is the strength of our team who show up in and around our remarkable communities, whether it’s taking the extra time to explain an option, following up after a conversation, or looking for solutions instead of defaulting to policies,” Shafer said.

Building Culture Through Member Impact

This philosophy has translated into long-term member relationships, steady growth, and a reputation for meeting people where they are.

“Everything we do impacts someone’s financial well-being,” Shafer emphasized. “It’s why we take the time to listen, understand what’s happening in someone’s life, and offer financial advice based on how people live and work here.”

To reinforce its people-first culture, Pathways introduced a Member Impact Stories initiative where employees share examples of meaningful ways they’ve positively impacted members’ lives. These stories are shared in team meetings and with the Pathways Board of Directors. According to Shafer, Member Impact Stories often involve helping someone navigate a financial challenge, guiding a family toward an important goal, or simply taking additional time to ensure a member feels informed and confident in their decisions.

It’s not uncommon for members to post positive reviews, send a note, or share treats with the team because they appreciated that someone took the time to understand their situation and make them feel respected.

“That’s the clearest reflection of our culture,” Shafer said. “When members consistently describe feeling cared for, you know those values are showing up when it counts.”

It’s All in the Delivery

Community involvement is deeply embedded in the organization’s culture. Through its Pathways Cares program, the credit union supports financial literacy initiatives, partners with local organizations, and helps meet everyday needs from food insecurity to basic family support.

Across Ohio, members of the Pathways team serve on local boards, participate in chambers of commerce, volunteer at community events, and lead financial literacy efforts for students ranging from kindergarten classrooms to high schools. Many Pathways branches also operate in underserved communities, where access to trusted financial guidance can significantly impact long-term financial stability.

Future-Focused Expansion

Pathways is ranked the sixth fastest-growing credit union in the U.S. based on asset growth from 2012 to 2025, according to Callahan & Associates industry data. That growth has allowed reinvestment in education, technology, and talent, ensuring future members will inherit an institution built for resilience, not short-term gain.

Even as Pathways has invested heavily in digital banking technology, Shafer has remained focused on preserving the member experience. In addition to convenience, digital tools help members build awareness, discipline, and confidence early in their financial lives.

“When purpose guides innovation, it builds trust, and that trust is what drives long-term success,” Shafer said.

However, the real distinction is empowering teams to evolve alongside members’ needs.

“That means trusting our people, embracing change, and the willingness to challenge longstanding ways of working,” Shafer concluded. “Our responsibility isn’t just to today’s members, it’s also to the people who they are raising, mentoring, and employing. If we do our job right, the impact will extend well beyond any single account or transaction.”

About Pathways Financial Credit Union

Pathways Financial Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution with assets of over $750 million, serving more than 59,000 consumer and business members throughout Central, Western, Northeast and Southern Ohio, as well as Kentucky. Pathways is the official credit union of the Columbus Crew. For more information, visit pathwayscu.com.

Media Contact

kvanness@pathwayscu.com

HOUSTON, TX, August 18, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Tritico Law today announced the addition of associate attorney Alexis Gilbert Bruegger, who joined the firm in May 2026 following an extensive search for the right candidate to expand its litigation capabilities. Gilbert Bruegger brings more than two decades of legal experience, including over a decade specializing in criminal defense, to the Houston-based practice.

Gilbert Bruegger was attracted to Tritico Law for several key reasons, notably the stellar reputation Tritico has built over the years doing honest work that is always aboveboard, alongside the firm’s team-based approach that offers clients access to a broad spectrum of skill sets. She brings her own signature discipline to the practice: relentless trial preparation.

“Even if there are things working against them, the better prepared lawyer often comes out on top,” Gilbert Bruegger said. “I subpoena police departments’ records to make sure they aren’t violating policies and dive into all the files of a case to determine if there’s any inconsistencies. When we go to trial, it’ll be apparent we have all the facts.”

Preparing for Battle

Tritico Law founder and attorney Chris Tritico emphasizes that preparation also means focusing on long-term resolution instead of immediate outcomes, noting that pleading cases out before fully understanding the facts does a disservice to both the client and the community.

“When someone entrusts their life to you, it’s your duty to do everything in your power to provide the best possible outcome,” Tritico said. “Even if the outcome isn’t exactly what they were looking for, they can be comfortable knowing that there was nothing else that could have been done. When you walk into the courtroom, you must be the smartest, most prepared person in the room. That’s how you win cases.”

Tritico, who knew he wanted to be a lawyer since he was 7 years old and has represented clients for nearly four decades, leads a team of hard-driving professionals representing criminal defense, education law, and personal injury clients in Houston and beyond. For Tritico, adding Gilbert Bruegger reinforces the firm's core commitment: helping clients move forward during what is often one of the most stressful moments of their lives.

“Whether we’re representing a professional educator, an individual accused of a crime, or someone who needs help in a civil matter, we get an outcome that helps them move forward,” Tritico said. “Multiple times in the years I’ve been practicing law, someone will come to my office years later and say, ‘Do you remember me? You turned my life around.’ These outcomes are what make my career worthwhile.”

Decades of High-Stakes Representation

Tritico Law represents five local teachers’ unions in the Greater Houston area and other unions across Texas, providing educators and school personnel with support navigating issues ranging from employment disputes to certification actions. Over his career, Tritico has also represented individuals in major national cases, including Timothy McVeigh in the 1990s Oklahoma City bombing trial.

Tritico notes that his most memorable and difficult case involved representing a 10-year-old boy charged with murdering his father — at the time, the youngest murder defendant in Texas history.

“It was a very emotional case, and it was the hardest I’ve had,” Tritico said. “Life had been difficult for him, and he couldn’t assist us because of his age. It took three months to select the jury and another month to try the case. We lost the case due to an error the judge made, and we reversed it on appeal. I am glad I was able to represent him.”

Compassionate Counsel and Perspective

The Tritico Law team prioritizes getting to know clients as individuals, whether representing someone facing a life-altering injury or an individual who made a single mistake affecting their future.

“We’re able to step up for people who need help against the system,” Gilbert Bruegger said. “No matter if we’re working with teachers who aren’t being looked out for or an individual facing criminal charges, I really enjoy being able to benefit our clients and build a relationship with them.”

Tritico’s legal perspective is also shaped by personal experience. On December 7, 2020 — weeks before her wedding and on his wife’s 60th birthday — Tritico’s daughter was murdered. Justice was served in August 2025, nearly five years later.

“After being on the other side as the family member of a victim, it shifted my perspective and made me a better lawyer,” Tritico said. “I will still always fiercely defend people’s constitutional rights, but I won’t drag things out for the sake of dragging things out.”

Even through that ordeal, Tritico remains a staunch advocate for due process and complete representation for every defendant. At the conclusion of those proceedings, he embraced the defendant’s family and continues to advocate for fair treatment across the legal system.

About Tritico Law

Tritico Law is a Houston-based law firm representing individuals and professionals in criminal defense, federal matters, education law and civil litigation. Led by attorney Chris Tritico, the firm brings more than 30 years of experience to cases in Texas and courtrooms across the country. Tritico Law combines courtroom readiness with a client-first approach, providing clear strategies, honest assessments and committed representation without judgment or pretense. For more information, visit TriticoLaw.com.

Media Contact

jturturro@triticolaw.com

MIAMI BEACH, FL, August 18, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- June is PTSD Awareness Month, and one retired surgeon wants Americans to stop thinking of it as only a soldier's problem.

There is a common picture of post traumatic stress disorder in this country. A veteran, back from deployment, flinching at a car backfire. That picture is real. It is also incomplete.

Every June, the Department of Veterans Affairs leads PTSD Awareness Month, with PTSD Awareness Day on June 27. The observance was formally recognized by the U.S. Senate in 2014, building on PTSD Awareness Day, which was first designated in 2010. Its aim is to reduce stigma and get people into treatment. Most years it does some of that, but the conversation still tends to stay inside the military community, and that leaves out a lot of people.

A Problem Bigger Than the Uniform

According to the VA's National Center for PTSD, roughly 6 out of every 100 adults in the United States will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. That is millions of people. Rates are higher among combat veterans, first responders, and survivors of violence, but the condition does not check for a uniform before it hits.

Survivors of car accidents get it. Survivors of violent crime get it. Children who grew up in war zones get it, even decades after a war ends. Nurses and doctors who worked through the pandemic get it. Families who lost someone unexpectedly get it. The clinical definition is wider than most people realize, and the numbers are almost certainly under-reported because a lot of people never go to a doctor to treat it.

That is the part PTSD Awareness Month is trying to change, but it needs more honest voices in the conversation, including from medicine.

One Surgeon Who Understands Both Sides

Salvatore Forcina spent forty years leading general and vascular surgery operations as Chief of Surgery at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey, and then at Meadowlands Hospital in Secaucus. He knows what it looks like when the body is broken, what it looks like when it heals, and what what it looks like when it doesn't heal completely.

Forcina was born in 1941 in Scauri, a small town in southern Italy, during the Second World War. His family had no real home. They slept in shelters dug into the mountains to stay safe from the bombs. He was a little kid. At eight, the family moved to Argentina. He was sent to a boarding school run by Redemptorist priests and stayed there for seven years. He learned English much later in order to upgrade his doctor status to be qualified to practice in the United States.

Once certified, he began building his career and became an American citizen in 1978. But the part of him that slept in a mountain shelter as a child never quite left.

He is careful with how he talks about this. He does not call himself a trauma survivor. He talks instead about patients he operated on over the years whose physical wounds closed up long before everything else did.

"As a surgeon, I have seen injuries heal in weeks," he said. "I have also seen the mind take decades to follow, and sometimes it never does."

His Book Says the Part Most Doctors Will Not Say

Forcina wrote about all of this in a book called "The American Doctor," published by Histria Books. It is not a clinical text, but rather a personal account of what war does to a person and how that weight travels across a lifetime.

The book is honest about the psychological aftermath of war, including on children and civilians. It talks about loneliness, sleeplessness, and the quiet way trauma rearranges a person's inner life. It does not dress any of it up. It is one of the few books by a practicing American surgeon that takes this seriously without making it sound like a TED talk.

His Legacy Makers documentary episode, "A Doctor Forged by War," airs on the Inside Success TV Network. He speaks about the same themes there, in his own words.

Three Things Forcina Wants Americans to Remember Every June

When asked what he hopes people take away from PTSD Awareness Month, he highlights three messages:

First, PTSD is treatable. Therapies like cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure therapy have helped a vast number of veterans and civilians recover meaningful parts of their lives. Families should not give up on a loved one who seems distant, irritable, or checked out after a hard event.

Second, older veterans should not have to ask twice for help. Forcina wants primary care doctors and community clinics to screen for PTSD proactively, especially in older men and women who grew up in an era when mental health was not discussed at all. Much of that generation will never bring it up on their own.

Third, civilians experience PTSD too. Car accidents, violent crime, natural disasters, medical trauma, and childhood exposure to war or abuse all count. Recognizing that shared experience, Forcina says, is how you cut down the loneliness that comes with it.

Why This Matters Beyond June

You do not have to be a veteran or a doctor to take something from this. Anyone who has been through something that stayed with them longer than it should have, has a version of this story: a bad accident, a loss, a childhood that was harder than anyone around you admitted.

PTSD Awareness Month is not really about a diagnosis. It is about giving people permission to notice what they have been carrying. It is about a neighbor, a parent, a spouse, a friend, who has been quietly white-knuckling through ordinary days and assuming that is just how life feels now.

Forcina's view is simple: medicine begins with listening. If more Americans listen well in June, he believes the rest of the year gets easier for a lot of people who are currently doing it alone.

Sources and Media

To watch "A Doctor Forged by War" on Legacy Makers TV, visit insidesuccess.tv/programs/salvatoreforcina.

To read "The American Doctor," visit www.amazon.com/American-Doctor-Salvatore-J-Forcina/dp/1592112099.

To learn more about PTSD Awareness Month from the VA's National Center for PTSD, visit www.ptsd.va.gov.

Media Contact

luke@insidesuccess.com

SHANGHAI, China, August 18, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Baoshili Technology (BSL) recently released the results of its metal ion leaching validation conducted on its 200 L ultra-clean HDPE drum using G5-grade (96%) sulfuric acid. After eight months of continuous immersion in G5-grade sulfuric acid, the leaching concentration of each individual metal impurity remained below 10 ppt (parts per trillion), in compliance with the packaging, storage, and transportation requirements for G5-grade high-purity chemicals.

These results demonstrate BSL’s capabilities in raw material formulation and manufacturing process innovation. In addition to maintaining metal ion leaching at the ppt level, BSL’s ultra-clean HDPE drums deliver industry-leading performance in key parameters such as particle release and UV transmittance. To date, BSL has secured nearly 20 proprietary intellectual property rights for the ultra-clean HDPE drum, covering the drum body and related components.

The manufacture of ultra-clean HDPE drums involves significant technical barriers, and only a limited number of companies worldwide are capable of mass production. With continued advances in the core technologies behind its ultra-clean HDPE drums, BSL is rapidly expanding its presence in the high-end chemical packaging market.

BSL continues to expand its portfolio of ultra-clean chemical packaging solutions, with new products — including ultra-pure small-volume containers and photoresist packaging containers — to be introduced in stages.

About Baoshili Technology

Established in 1999 with a registered capital of RMB 50 million, Baoshili Technology — operating legally through Xiamen Baoshili Dustless Technology Co., Ltd. and Baoshili (Shanghai) New Material Technology Co., Ltd. — is a leading manufacturer of high-purity and ultra-clean industrial supplies.

With production facilities in Xiamen and Shanghai, Baoshili specializes in localized alternatives to imported components, including cleanroom wipes, ultra-clean PFA tubing and connectors, and ultra-clean HDPE drums. The company delivers scalable, industrial-grade solutions to global leaders across the semiconductor, display, photovoltaic, and pharmaceutical sectors.

For more information, visit www.bsl-clean.com.

Media Contact

Lotus Huang
lotus@xmbsl.com

CHARLESTON, SC, August 18, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Veteran Charleston real estate broker and market analyst Bryan Crabtree has released his new book, "The History & Future of Charleston Real Estate," now available in paperback on Amazon. Spanning nearly 400 years of history, the book examines the people, events, architecture, economics, and geography that transformed Charleston from a colonial settlement into one of the most desirable and resilient real estate markets in the United States.

Unlike traditional real estate books that focus primarily on buying and selling homes, Crabtree's work traces the evolution of Charleston itself. From King Charles II's original land grants and the earliest peninsula subdivisions to the Great Fire of 1838, the Civil War, the devastating 1886 earthquake, Hurricane Hugo, the Great Recession, and today's explosive population growth, the book explains how each chapter of Charleston's history has shaped its real estate values and long-term trajectory.

Drawing on decades of experience, extensive historical research, and more than $1 billion in Charleston real estate sales, Crabtree offers readers a perspective that blends history with modern market analysis.

"The biggest lesson I learned while researching this book is that Charleston has never behaved like a typical American real estate market," said Crabtree. "The more I studied nearly four centuries of history, the more obvious it became that Charleston's greatest advantages were established generations ago. Geography, preservation, architecture, culture, and scarcity didn't accidentally create today's market — they compounded over hundreds of years."

Throughout the book, Crabtree explains why Charleston consistently defies conventional housing trends, why many investors and real estate professionals struggle to understand the market, and why the city's unique combination of history and physical constraints continues to drive long-term demand.

"People often ask whether Charleston is becoming too expensive," Crabtree continued. "I believe they're asking the wrong question. A better question is why people continue to place such extraordinary value on living here. Once you understand Charleston's history, its development patterns, and the decisions that preserved so much of what makes it unique, today's values become much easier to understand."

The book also explores Charleston's future, examining projected population growth, infrastructure challenges, flood mitigation efforts, transportation improvements, housing affordability, and the long-term outlook for property values. Rather than offering speculative predictions, Crabtree argues that Charleston's future becomes remarkably clear when viewed through the lens of its past.

"History leaves clues," Crabtree said. "This book taught me that Charleston's future isn't hidden — it's embedded in the city's history. Every generation has faced enormous challenges, whether fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, wars, economic downturns, or explosive growth. Charleston has consistently adapted without losing its identity, and that may be its greatest competitive advantage."

Over the course of more than two dozen chapters, readers will discover:

• The origins of Charleston's land ownership and the earliest subdivision of the peninsula
• How fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, and wars reshaped the city's architecture and building practices
• Why Charleston's historic preservation movement permanently altered its real estate trajectory
• The evolution of Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, James Island, Daniel Island, and the region's surrounding communities
• Why Charleston's geography creates one of the highest barriers to entry for new housing in America
• How decades of planning — and, at times, poor planning — continue to influence growth, infrastructure, and property values today
• What Charleston's history suggests about its future over the next 10, 25, and 50 years

Crabtree believes the book fills a gap that has existed for decades.

"Charleston is consistently ranked among America's best places to live, visit, and invest, yet very few people have ever explained why," he said. "This isn't simply a history book or a real estate book. It's the story of how centuries of decisions created one of the most remarkable housing markets in the country."

As a longtime Charleston broker, market commentator, and advocate for thoughtful growth, Crabtree has spent much of his career studying the forces that influence the Lowcountry's housing market. His experience spans thousands of transactions, leadership of hundreds of real estate professionals, and advising buyers and sellers through nearly every type of market cycle.

"The History & Future of Charleston Real Estate" is available now in paperback through Amazon.

About Bryan Crabtree Real Estate

Bryan Crabtree is a Charleston real estate broker with more than 25 years of experience and over $1 billion in career real estate sales, the overwhelming majority of which have occurred in the Charleston market. Having represented thousands of buyers and sellers while mentoring hundreds of real estate professionals, Crabtree has become known for his market analysis, historical perspective, and advocacy for responsible growth that preserves Charleston's unique character. He lives and works in the Charleston area, where he continues to help clients navigate one of America's most distinctive real estate markets. For more information, visit therealestateexperts.com.

Media Contact

Bryan Crabtree
Real Estate Broker, The Real Estate Experts
bc@therealestateexperts.com
+1 843-343-4141