SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —

Did you use your Visa or Mastercard debit card or Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase from 2015 to 2022? 

Your rights may be affected by a class-action settlement.

Did you use your Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase in Illinois from 2016 to 2022?

You could get money from a $17.5 million settlement.

There is a Settlement in a class action lawsuit that claims American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (“Amex”) has rules or provisions in its merchant agreements that do not allow merchants who accept American Express cards for payment to “steer” or encourage customers to pay with a different card that may charge the merchant a lower fee. Merchants then raise their prices to cover the Amex fee and charge all customers the same price. Therefore, customers who do not use an Amex card to make purchases end up paying more money than they would have without these rules. Amex denies that it did anything wrong.

You may have seen a previous notice about the Court certifying debit-card and non-rewards credit-cards classes in this case (“Certified Classes”). That case went to trial and the jury returned a verdict. This notice is about the post-verdict Settlement with Amex.

Who is included in the Settlement?

Generally, you are included in the Settlement if you are in one or more of the following classes:

• Debit-card classes: if you are a person who is a Visa or Mastercard debit card holder, and you, or an authorized user, used this debit card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah. Your account address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas, Illinois, or Mississippi from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
• Non-rewards credit-card classes: if you are a person who is a card holder of a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in the District of Columbia, Kansas, or Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in the District of Columbia from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas or Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.

Visit the website below for more specific information, including the full list of Qualifying Merchants and who is excluded from the classes.

What does the Settlement provide?

Amex will pay $17.5 million into a Settlement Fund. This amount will be used to pay taxes; notice and administration costs; attorneys’ fees and expenses; service awards to the class representatives; other costs, fees, and expenses; and money to eligible Illinois non-rewards credit-card Class Members.

Who can get a payment from the Settlement?

You may file a claim to get a payment from the Settlement if you are in the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, meaning if you are a person who is a card holder, you have a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card account that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022. 

How can I get a payment?

If you are part of the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, you must submit a claim form online or by mail by May 19, 2026. If your claim is valid, you will get an equal (or per capita) share of the Settlement Fund (after costs, fees, and expenses are deducted). Your payment amount will depend on the number of valid and timely claims. 

What are your options?

If you did not exclude yourself previously, you are bound by the Court’s decisions. You may object to the Settlement by April 29, 2026. Detailed information about how to object is available on the website, www.AmexAntitrust.com.

The Court will hold a Final Hearing on June 17, 2026, to consider if it will approve the Settlement and a request for attorneys’ fees up to 33% of the Settlement Fund and expenses up to $8 million and service awards for the class representative. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, although you are not required to do so.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit: www.AmexAntitrust.com                Call 1-877-315-0587

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/berman-tabacco-announces-a-class-action-settlement-if-you-used-your-visa-or-mastercard-debit-card-or-visa-mastercard-or-discover-non-rewards-credit-card-to-make-a-purchase-from-2015-2022-302691822.html

SOURCE Berman Tabacco

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —

Did you use your Visa or Mastercard debit card or Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase from 2015 to 2022? 

Your rights may be affected by a class-action settlement.

Did you use your Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase in Illinois from 2016 to 2022?

You could get money from a $17.5 million settlement.

There is a Settlement in a class action lawsuit that claims American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (“Amex”) has rules or provisions in its merchant agreements that do not allow merchants who accept American Express cards for payment to “steer” or encourage customers to pay with a different card that may charge the merchant a lower fee. Merchants then raise their prices to cover the Amex fee and charge all customers the same price. Therefore, customers who do not use an Amex card to make purchases end up paying more money than they would have without these rules. Amex denies that it did anything wrong.

You may have seen a previous notice about the Court certifying debit-card and non-rewards credit-cards classes in this case (“Certified Classes”). That case went to trial and the jury returned a verdict. This notice is about the post-verdict Settlement with Amex.

Who is included in the Settlement?

Generally, you are included in the Settlement if you are in one or more of the following classes:

• Debit-card classes: if you are a person who is a Visa or Mastercard debit card holder, and you, or an authorized user, used this debit card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah. Your account address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas, Illinois, or Mississippi from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
• Non-rewards credit-card classes: if you are a person who is a card holder of a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in the District of Columbia, Kansas, or Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in the District of Columbia from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas or Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.

Visit the website below for more specific information, including the full list of Qualifying Merchants and who is excluded from the classes.

What does the Settlement provide?

Amex will pay $17.5 million into a Settlement Fund. This amount will be used to pay taxes; notice and administration costs; attorneys’ fees and expenses; service awards to the class representatives; other costs, fees, and expenses; and money to eligible Illinois non-rewards credit-card Class Members.

Who can get a payment from the Settlement?

You may file a claim to get a payment from the Settlement if you are in the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, meaning if you are a person who is a card holder, you have a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card account that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022. 

How can I get a payment?

If you are part of the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, you must submit a claim form online or by mail by May 19, 2026. If your claim is valid, you will get an equal (or per capita) share of the Settlement Fund (after costs, fees, and expenses are deducted). Your payment amount will depend on the number of valid and timely claims. 

What are your options?

If you did not exclude yourself previously, you are bound by the Court’s decisions. You may object to the Settlement by April 29, 2026. Detailed information about how to object is available on the website, www.AmexAntitrust.com.

The Court will hold a Final Hearing on June 17, 2026, to consider if it will approve the Settlement and a request for attorneys’ fees up to 33% of the Settlement Fund and expenses up to $8 million and service awards for the class representative. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, although you are not required to do so.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit: www.AmexAntitrust.com                Call 1-877-315-0587

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/berman-tabacco-announces-a-class-action-settlement-if-you-used-your-visa-or-mastercard-debit-card-or-visa-mastercard-or-discover-non-rewards-credit-card-to-make-a-purchase-from-2015-2022-302691822.html

SOURCE Berman Tabacco

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —

Did you use your Visa or Mastercard debit card or Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase from 2015 to 2022? 

Your rights may be affected by a class-action settlement.

Did you use your Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase in Illinois from 2016 to 2022?

You could get money from a $17.5 million settlement.

There is a Settlement in a class action lawsuit that claims American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (“Amex”) has rules or provisions in its merchant agreements that do not allow merchants who accept American Express cards for payment to “steer” or encourage customers to pay with a different card that may charge the merchant a lower fee. Merchants then raise their prices to cover the Amex fee and charge all customers the same price. Therefore, customers who do not use an Amex card to make purchases end up paying more money than they would have without these rules. Amex denies that it did anything wrong.

You may have seen a previous notice about the Court certifying debit-card and non-rewards credit-cards classes in this case (“Certified Classes”). That case went to trial and the jury returned a verdict. This notice is about the post-verdict Settlement with Amex.

Who is included in the Settlement?

Generally, you are included in the Settlement if you are in one or more of the following classes:

• Debit-card classes: if you are a person who is a Visa or Mastercard debit card holder, and you, or an authorized user, used this debit card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah. Your account address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas, Illinois, or Mississippi from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
• Non-rewards credit-card classes: if you are a person who is a card holder of a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in the District of Columbia, Kansas, or Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in the District of Columbia from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas or Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.

Visit the website below for more specific information, including the full list of Qualifying Merchants and who is excluded from the classes.

What does the Settlement provide?

Amex will pay $17.5 million into a Settlement Fund. This amount will be used to pay taxes; notice and administration costs; attorneys’ fees and expenses; service awards to the class representatives; other costs, fees, and expenses; and money to eligible Illinois non-rewards credit-card Class Members.

Who can get a payment from the Settlement?

You may file a claim to get a payment from the Settlement if you are in the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, meaning if you are a person who is a card holder, you have a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card account that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022. 

How can I get a payment?

If you are part of the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, you must submit a claim form online or by mail by May 19, 2026. If your claim is valid, you will get an equal (or per capita) share of the Settlement Fund (after costs, fees, and expenses are deducted). Your payment amount will depend on the number of valid and timely claims. 

What are your options?

If you did not exclude yourself previously, you are bound by the Court’s decisions. You may object to the Settlement by April 29, 2026. Detailed information about how to object is available on the website, www.AmexAntitrust.com.

The Court will hold a Final Hearing on June 17, 2026, to consider if it will approve the Settlement and a request for attorneys’ fees up to 33% of the Settlement Fund and expenses up to $8 million and service awards for the class representative. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, although you are not required to do so.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit: www.AmexAntitrust.com                Call 1-877-315-0587

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/berman-tabacco-announces-a-class-action-settlement-if-you-used-your-visa-or-mastercard-debit-card-or-visa-mastercard-or-discover-non-rewards-credit-card-to-make-a-purchase-from-2015-2022-302691822.html

SOURCE Berman Tabacco

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ —

Did you use your Visa or Mastercard debit card or Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase from 2015 to 2022? 

Your rights may be affected by a class-action settlement.

Did you use your Visa, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards credit card to make a purchase in Illinois from 2016 to 2022?

You could get money from a $17.5 million settlement.

There is a Settlement in a class action lawsuit that claims American Express Company and American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (“Amex”) has rules or provisions in its merchant agreements that do not allow merchants who accept American Express cards for payment to “steer” or encourage customers to pay with a different card that may charge the merchant a lower fee. Merchants then raise their prices to cover the Amex fee and charge all customers the same price. Therefore, customers who do not use an Amex card to make purchases end up paying more money than they would have without these rules. Amex denies that it did anything wrong.

You may have seen a previous notice about the Court certifying debit-card and non-rewards credit-cards classes in this case (“Certified Classes”). That case went to trial and the jury returned a verdict. This notice is about the post-verdict Settlement with Amex.

Who is included in the Settlement?

Generally, you are included in the Settlement if you are in one or more of the following classes:

• Debit-card classes: if you are a person who is a Visa or Mastercard debit card holder, and you, or an authorized user, used this debit card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah. Your account address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, or Utah from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas, Illinois, or Mississippi from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.
• Non-rewards credit-card classes: if you are a person who is a card holder of a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in the District of Columbia, Kansas, or Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in the same state and in the District of Columbia from January 29, 2015, to June 1, 2022, or Kansas or Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022.

Visit the website below for more specific information, including the full list of Qualifying Merchants and who is excluded from the classes.

What does the Settlement provide?

Amex will pay $17.5 million into a Settlement Fund. This amount will be used to pay taxes; notice and administration costs; attorneys’ fees and expenses; service awards to the class representatives; other costs, fees, and expenses; and money to eligible Illinois non-rewards credit-card Class Members.

Who can get a payment from the Settlement?

You may file a claim to get a payment from the Settlement if you are in the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, meaning if you are a person who is a card holder, you have a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover general purpose credit or charge card account that does not offer credit card rewards or charge an annual fee, and you, or an authorized user, used this card to purchase a good or service from one or more Qualifying Merchants in Illinois. Your billing address and the purchase made had to be in Illinois from January 29, 2016, to June 1, 2022. 

How can I get a payment?

If you are part of the Illinois non-rewards credit-card class, you must submit a claim form online or by mail by May 19, 2026. If your claim is valid, you will get an equal (or per capita) share of the Settlement Fund (after costs, fees, and expenses are deducted). Your payment amount will depend on the number of valid and timely claims. 

What are your options?

If you did not exclude yourself previously, you are bound by the Court’s decisions. You may object to the Settlement by April 29, 2026. Detailed information about how to object is available on the website, www.AmexAntitrust.com.

The Court will hold a Final Hearing on June 17, 2026, to consider if it will approve the Settlement and a request for attorneys’ fees up to 33% of the Settlement Fund and expenses up to $8 million and service awards for the class representative. You or your own lawyer may appear and speak at the hearing at your own expense, although you are not required to do so.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit: www.AmexAntitrust.com                Call 1-877-315-0587

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/berman-tabacco-announces-a-class-action-settlement-if-you-used-your-visa-or-mastercard-debit-card-or-visa-mastercard-or-discover-non-rewards-credit-card-to-make-a-purchase-from-2015-2022-302691822.html

SOURCE Berman Tabacco

NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA), in partnership with New York Cares, delivered thousands of winter coats to children and families in need today at the New York Cares coat drop-off facility in Manhattan.

The delivery was part of GNYADA‘s Annual Winter Coat Drive and New York Cares’ 37^th Annual Coat Drive. It brought together leadership from both organizations to underscore the role local automobile dealers play in supporting New Yorkers during the coldest months of the year. The coats, collected by over 120 area auto dealers, will be distributed by New York Cares to individuals and families across the five boroughs.

“Today is about community, compassion, and action. Our dealers don‘t just serve customers, they show up for their communities. Every coat delivered today represents warmth, dignity, and real support for someone facing winter without enough resources,” said Mark Schienberg, President of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.

GNYADA‘s annual Coat Drive has become a long-standing tradition among its dealer members. Over the years, GNYADA dealers have donated more than 200,000 coats and raised more than $400,000 to purchase new winter coats for children. This winter’s campaign builds on that momentum, with dealerships once again stepping up to help.

“Winter can be especially harsh for families already facing economic challenges,” said Sapreet Saluja, Executive Director of New York Cares. “Thanks to GNYADA‘s generosity, caring becomes action—helping thousands of New Yorkers stay warm, safe, and reminded that their community is standing with them.”

The delivery took place at New York Cares‘ coat distribution facility at 157 West 31st Street, where volunteers and staff will continue coordinating coat distribution throughout the winter season.

GNYADA and New York Cares encourage businesses and community members to support winter relief efforts by donating coats and making financial contributions.

Headquartered in Whitestone, N.Y, the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association represents 445 franchised automobile dealerships in the metro area of New York, generating $70.6 billion in economic activity, $3 billion in taxes, and supporting 68,800 New Yorkers. The $30m Center for Automotive Education & Training was built in 2015. The Association was established in 1910 and has continued to serve the industry’s needs ever since. GNYADA organizes the New York International Automobile Show, the largest auto show in North America, each spring, in Manhattan‘s Jacob Javits Convention Center. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/area-auto-dealers-and-new-york-cares-deliver-thousands-of-winter-coats-to-families-in-need-across-new-york-city-302692014.html

SOURCE The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association

ELENA ROSE TO RECEIVE THE BMI IMPACT AWARD

The Event Will Also Celebrate the Top Latin Songwriters and Publishers on Thursday, March 19 in Miami

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BMI® is thrilled to salute legendary production duo Luny Tunes with the BMI President’s Award for their immense contributions to Latin urban music at the 2026 BMI Latin Awards on Thursday, March 19. This prestigious award celebrates the duo’s enduring legacy as pioneers of reggaetón whose work helped transform the genre from an underground movement into a global phenomenon. In addition, singer-songwriter Elena Rose will be presented with the BMI Impact Award. From writing hits for music superstars like Bad Bunny, Selena Gomez, and Becky G to launching a successful solo career, this honor recognizes her groundbreaking artistry, creative vision, and impact on the future of music. The private event will take place at the Fontainebleau Coastal Convention Center in Miami Beach and will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill, BMI Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, Mike Steinberg, and BMI Vice President, Creative, Latin, Jesus Gonzalez. 

“Luny Tunes are architects of reggaetón’s golden era and catalysts for its global rise,” said Gonzalez. “We’re honored to recognize their enduring legacy alongside rising star Elena Rose, whose songwriting talent and artistry continue to captivate audiences. We’re also excited to celebrate our exceptional familia of songwriters, producers and publishers behind the most-performed Latin songs of the past year during the ceremony.”

Throughout the evening, BMI will also recognize the songwriters and publishers of the past year’s most-performed Latin songs in the United States. The BMI Regional Mexican Song, Songwriter, and Publisher of the Year and the BMI Contemporary Latin Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year will be named during the ceremony. 

Luny Tunes is comprised of Francisco “Luny” Saldaña and Víctor “Tunes” Cabrera, a producer duo widely regarded as one of the most influential in Latin music history. Originally from the Dominican Republic, they later relocated to Massachusetts, where they began developing their signature musical style. With a career spanning 25 years, the pair moved to Puerto Rico in 2001, where they honed their production approach alongside DJ Nelson and became integral to the island’s emerging reggaetón scene. With more than 500 songs to their credit, Luny Tunes helped define the genre’s golden era through landmark albums like Mas Flow, Mas Flow 2 and Los Benjamins, as well as explosive hits like “Gasolina,” “Mayor Que Yo,” “Besos Mojados,” and “Salgo Pa’ la Calle,” to name a few. In 2005, their excellence was recognized with Latin GRAMMY nominations for Record of the Year for “Gasolina” and Best Urban Music Album for their own project, The Kings of the Beats. They have amassed a total of 18 BMI Latin Awards, with recognition for BMI’s 2020 Contemporary Song of the Year for “Callaíta,” while Saldaña was individually honored as BMI’s Latin Songwriter of the Year in 2007. Their visionary sound launched and elevated the careers of icons like Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Wisin y Yandel, Tego Calderón and Ivy Queen, among others.

As the 2026 BMI President’s Award recipients, Luny Tunes join an elite ensemble of music creators who have received the accolade in the past including benny blanco, Luis Fonsi, Ellie Goulding, Horacio Palencia, Pitbull, T-Pain and Wisin y Yandel, among others.

Elena Rose is a Venezuelan American singer-songwriter who has emerged as one of Latin music’s most sought-after creative forces. Born in Miami, Rose has penned hits for some of the biggest names in the industry including Bad Bunny, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lopez, Becky G and Rauw Alejandro, among others. Her popularity rose significantly after collaborating with Ed Sheeran, who invited her to create a Spanish verse for his hit song “Thinking Out Loud,” which immediately went viral online. Boasting 14 Latin GRAMMY nominations and five BMI Latin Awards throughout her career, Rose made a successful leap from songwriting powerhouse to recording artist with her first EP, En Las Nubes – Con Mis Panas, which earned her nods in major categories including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Contemporary Pop Vocal Album. Rose represents a new generation of Latin music creators who are shaping the sound of contemporary Latin music.

In receiving the BMI Impact Award, Elena Rose joins Edgar Barrera, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Arlo Parks, RAYE, P2J, Tems and Tito Double P among others.

ABOUT BMI:
Celebrating over 80 years of service to songwriters, composers, music publishers and businesses, Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI®) is a global leader in music rights management, serving as an advocate for the value of music. BMI represents the public performance rights in over 22.4 million musical works created and owned by more than 1.4 million songwriters, composers, and music publishers. The Company negotiates music license agreements and distributes the fees it generates as royalties to its affiliated writers and publishers when their songs are performed in public. In 1939, BMI created a groundbreaking open-door policy becoming the only performing rights organization to welcome and represent the creators of blues, jazz, country, and American roots music. Today, the musical compositions in BMI’s repertoire, from chart toppers to perennial favorites, span all genres of music and are consistently among the most-performed hits of the year. For additional information and the latest BMI news, visit bmi.com, follow us on X and Instagram @BMI or stay connected through Broadcast Music, Inc.’s Facebook page. Sign up for BMI’s The Weekly™ and receive our e-newsletter every week to stay up to date on all things music.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reggaeton-pioneers-luny-tunes-to-be-honored-with-the-bmi-presidents-award-at-the-2026-bmi-latin-awards-302691947.html

SOURCE Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)

Fourteen high-achieving American college students selected for transformative summer internship program in Dublin.

PORTLAND, Maine, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) is pleased to announce the 2026 Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Interns, a diverse cohort of 14 exceptional students who will participate in an eight-week international internship program in Dublin, Ireland.

Co-sponsored by CIEE, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), and the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, the Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship program honors two iconic leaders in the global movement for freedom, equality, social justice, and economic mobility by preparing young professionals for future and career success.

More than 500 students applied from hundreds of institutions of higher education, including Ivy League schools, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), private colleges, and flagship public universities.

The 2026 Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns in Ireland are:

• Barnard College, Ariadna Sanchez, Psychology
• Bowie State University, Joshua Looper, Government
• Clark Atlanta University, Daishanay Francis, Political Science
• Florida A&M University, Zaire Floyd, Journalism
• Georgia State University, Sarah Darabadey, Business Management
• Harvard University, Michelle Chung, Philosophy
• Howard University, Garrison Andrews, Political Science
• Nova Southeastern University, Caroline Miller, Political Science
• Spelman College, Hayley Ponds, Pre-Medicine
• Spelman College, Sophia Wade, Political Science
• University of Texas at Austin, Christopher Vega, History
• University of Texas at Austin, Nebiy Petros, Economics
• Wofford College, Chrisler White, History
• Yale University, Elijah St. Martin, Sociology

Students were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants based on their demonstrated interest in gaining practical work experience in Ireland; their desire to emulate the business acumen and social justice reform of Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell; their values in equality, entrepreneurship, and advocacy; and their commitment to pursuing a better, more inclusive world.

Thanks to sponsorship by the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, four spots in the cohort were dedicated to students attending colleges in the district that Congressman John Lewis represented for more than 30 years.

The 2026 Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns are featured in this video.

During the program, students will intern with Ireland-based companies, attend lectures on Irish history and culture, and participate in extracurricular and networking activities in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast. Students choose from dozens of internship placement opportunities, including roles in media, technology, transportation, and human rights advocacy. Each student receives an internship placement, academic lectures, housing, airfare, and a living stipend.

“The Douglass-O’Connell program introduces a new generation of young leaders to today’s diverse and vibrant Ireland,” said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE. “It’s a privilege to partner with AAIDN, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, and the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation to help increase diversity abroad as we also help unite the diverse and global Irish diaspora.”

“Congressman Lewis believed in the power of young people to advance justice and build the beloved community,” said Michael Collins, Chair of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. “We are proud to support four exceptional students in this year’s program. By expanding their global perspectives and leadership skills in Ireland, this experience helps equip the next generation to carry forward Congressman Lewis’ legacy of creating ‘Good Trouble’ and making the world a better place.”

“The Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship program builds inclusive bridges of understanding and opportunity between Ireland and America,” said Dennis Brownlee, Founder and President of the African American Irish Diaspora Network. “We are pleased to again support this transformative program.”

To help expand access to international opportunities, all eligible applicants who were not selected as one of the 2026 Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns in Ireland will receive a $1,500 Douglass-O’Connell Scholars Grant, which may be applied toward any of CIEE’s 200+ summer or semester study abroad programs through summer 2027.

For more information about CIEE’s Frederick Douglass–Daniel O’Connell Global Internship in Ireland, visit ciee.org/fddo.

About CIEE

Since 1947, CIEE has built bridges between different people, countries, and cultures through study abroad and international exchange programs that advance peace in our world. We change lives; our alumni change the world. Learn more at ciee.org.

About AAIDN

Since 2020, the African American Irish Diaspora Network has fostered relationships between African Americans, Ireland, and the Irish Diaspora. AAIDN promotes programs in education, the arts, entrepreneurship, and culture that unite African American and Irish communities. AAIDN’s mission is supported by Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and the government of Northern Ireland. Learn more at aaidnet.org.

About the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation (JLMLF)

The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, Inc. was conceived by Congressman Lewis to carry on his and his wife’s passion for purposeful living, civic engagement and building the “beloved community,” and to inspire and support Good Trouble. For more information, visit jlmlf.org.

Media Contact:

Leslie Taylor

media@ciee.org

(207) 553-4274

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SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

No Fee Loyalty Program¹ Available to Any Client with a Personal Checking Account
More Than 30 Million Clients Newly Qualify for Personalized Rewards

NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bank of America today announced plans to launch BofA Rewards, a no fee loyalty program designed to reward and recognize clients for their full relationship across their Bank of America banking and Merrill investing accounts. Starting May 27, millions of clients can enroll in the new program to unlock benefits on eligible credit cards, cash back deals, banking services, curated experiences and more. BofA Rewards members can benefit from $150 to $4,000 in annual value based on their membership tier and program engagement.

“BofA Rewards ensures every client, no matter where they are in their financial journey, can experience meaningful benefits and feel valued for their relationship with us,” said Mary Hines Droesch, Head of Consumer and Small Business Products & Analytics at Bank of America. “Clients want loyalty programs that offer the flexibility to choose benefits that reward their ambitions. BofA Rewards delivers differentiated value that evolves with clients’ goals.”

Rewards Available to Millions More Clients
Through the expansion of the company’s industry-leading loyalty program, all clients with an active Bank of America personal checking account can join BofA Rewards with no minimum balance. This includes more than 30 million existing clients now newly eligible for the program. BofA Rewards features four tiers based on a client’s three-month average account balance across their qualifying² Bank of America banking and Merrill investing accounts:

• Member tier: <$30,000
• Preferred Plus tier: $30,000 to <$100,000
• Preferred Honors tier: $100,000 to <$1 million
• Premier tier: $1 million+

Personalized Benefits for Every Life Stage
BofA Rewards unifies Bank of America’s previously separate rewards offerings to recognize clients’ goals at every life stage. Every member will enjoy valuable perks designed to make everyday banking – and life’s major milestones – more rewarding, including:

• Credit card rewards bonuses of 10 to 75% on everyday purchases with eligible credit cards.
• Cash back deals from more than 15,000 popular national and local brands, plus members exclusives.
• Exclusive discounts on home and auto loans.
• Enhanced fraud and identity monitoring, including dark web monitoring, Social Security number monitoring, full-service identity restoration, and more, in addition to new My Credit tools offered to all clients.

Preferred Honors and Premier tier members can also get reimbursed for popular subscriptions from top streaming, entertainment, and news services. This benefit provides credits of up to $96 per year³ for Preferred Honors tier members and up to $180 per year⁴ for Premier tier members.

Expanded Access to Lifestyle Benefits
BofA Rewards will offer lifestyle benefits for Preferred Honors and Premier tier members. Through a continuously expanding suite of benefits, clients will enjoy curated offers and premium experiences across top lifestyle categories including travel, automotive, food and wine, sports and fitness, style and fashion, arts and entertainment, home, health and wellness, and personal services. For example:

• Preferred Honors tier: Automotive savings on brands like BMW, Lexus, Audi, Volvo; access to arts and entertainments moments, including major league sports, concerts, Broadway shows, and opera; and premium travel experiences with partners including Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Virgin Hotels, and Sixt.
• Premier tier: Tier-exclusive luxury offers with Backroads, The Eden Residence Club, Mercedes, Sollis Health, and Blacklane, as well as curated private events, such as the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, Lamborghini, and CULTURED magazine.

An Immersive Digital Experience
BofA Rewards members will also enjoy a fully redesigned experience within the Bank of America Mobile App and Online Banking. The reimagined platform includes a modern, intuitive design with personalized offers and tier-specific features, making it easier than ever to activate and maximize the value of their benefits.

Additional Details
Since its launch in 2014, Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards® program has grown to more than 11 million members. Building upon this success, BofA Rewards will replace Preferred Rewards on May 27. Previously, clients needed to maintain a three-month combined average account balance of $20,000 or more across their Bank of America banking and Merrill investing accounts to be eligible for enrollment. Current Preferred Rewards members will be automatically enrolled in BofA Rewards⁵. Bank of America clients enrolled in Preferred Rewards for Business will remain in their current program with additional details coming soon.

Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million clients with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

Reporters may contact

Carolyn Batt, Bank of America         
Phone: 1.646.983.1369
carolyn.batt@bofa.com

Footnotes

¹ To participate, you just need an eligible Bank of America checking account. Checking accounts may have a monthly maintenance fee if waiver requirements are not met.

² Qualifying accounts include:

• Bank of America deposit accounts: Bank of America Advantage Banking, savings, money market savings, CD and IRA accounts
• Merrill® investment accounts, such as the Cash Management Account (CMA) and IRA accounts
• 529 plans appearing on your Merrill statement
• Revocable grantor trust accounts

³ $8 / month maximum credit on a portfolio of several pre-determined subscription services

⁴ $15 / month maximum credit on a portfolio of several pre-determined subscription services

⁵ On or about May 26, 2026, our Bank of America Preferred Rewards program becomes BofA Rewards. If you are enrolled in the Preferred Rewards program on the transition date, your enrollment will be automatically changed to the new BofA Rewards program: current Gold and Platinum tier members will be changed to the Preferred Plus tier; current Platinum Honors members will be changed to the Preferred Honors tier; current Diamond Honors members will be changed to the Premier tier. Review your product within the Personal Schedule of Fees for fee waivers and benefits that will apply to your account once Preferred Rewards changes to BofA Rewards. Clients enrolling in the program for the first time will have their balances reviewed daily during the first 30 days. Benefits activate within 30 days of enrollment. Clients will be automatically upgraded to higher tiers when their qualifying balances increase.

Disclosure
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of BofA Corp.

© 2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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SOURCE Bank of America Corporation