Tag: PR Newswire

Aims to help create a sustainable society and maximize societal well-being by promoting the Ten Principles of the UNGC

TOKYO, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — transcosmos today announced that it has signed the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), an initiative proposed by the United Nations, and was registered as a participating company effective February 5, 2026.

The UNGC is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, bringing together the United Nations and the private sector (companies and organizations) to help create a healthy global society. It is a voluntary framework through which companies and organizations exercise responsible and creative leadership to achieve sustainable growth as responsible corporate citizens. 

The UNGC asks participating companies and organizations to support and continuously advance the implementation of the Ten Principles of the UNGC—related to the protection of human rights, the elimination of unfair labour practices, environmental responsibility, and the prevention of corruption—through commitments made by their CEOs.

• The Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact

Human Rights

Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and

Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

Labour

Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;

Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;

Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and

Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment

Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;

Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and

Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Anti-Corruption

Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

Guided by its fundamental management philosophy that client satisfaction is the true value of our company and that the growth of each of our employees creates the value that shapes our future, transcosmos is committed to helping create a sustainable society and maximizing the well-being of society as a whole by promoting the Ten Principles of the UNGC.

<transcosmos Sustainability Initiatives>

In 2021, transcosmos established the transcosmos SDGs Committee chaired by the Representative Director & Chairman, and put in place a framework specifically designed to execute its initiatives towards meeting social challenges and expectations with a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. In addition, with the purpose of creating a sustainable society and boosting the well-being of society as a whole, transcosmos has set out its fundamental sustainability policy.

Committed to our purpose of expanding our social impact as a business and ultimately maximizing the well-being of society as a whole through solving social challenges, we, transcosmos, are engaging in meaningful business activities to become a Sustainable Transformation (SX) Partner for all.

*transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries.
*Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies.

• About transcosmos inc.

transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have united superior “people” with up-to-date “technology” to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients’ business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 186 bases across 36 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients’ excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the “Global Digital Transformation Partner” of our clients, supporting the clients’ transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/transcosmos-signs-the-united-nations-global-compact-302692210.html

SOURCE transcosmos inc.

A Houston physician turns her private infertility journal into a national wake-up call, sparking urgent conversations about medical dismissal, maternal health disparities, and the voices Black women refuse to silence.

HOUSTON, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In December, Dr. Chinyere “Dr. Chi” Johnson took a bold leap and released a video series detailing her infertility journey. Within the journal, she shared her process in becoming pregnant, including loss and experiencing medical dismissal. What was intended to be a vulnerable private video journal became, instead, a story she shared online with her followers. To her surprise, within the first 30 days of the series’ release, it garnered 10 million plus views across social media. What began as an online video journal became a broader conversation about how Black women are treated in healthcare.

Dr. Chi is a Houston-based hospitalist, mental health advocate, and former Division I athlete accustomed to discipline and structure. Yet when she raised concerns about her own health, she met a reality many Black women describe; symptoms minimized, concerns delayed, and persistent questions brushed aside.

“I knew the system,” Dr. Chi says. “But knowing it doesn’t prevent you from experiencing it.”

Her story reflects patterns backed by data:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that Black women in the United States are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, disparities that experts often link to delayed recognition of complications and inequitable care. A 2016 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that some medical trainees and students held false beliefs about biological differences between Black and white patients, affecting pain assessment and treatment recommendations. Research from the Commonwealth Fund shows Black women are more likely than white women to report that medical providers did not listen carefully or take their concerns seriously.

Dr. Chi’s series documents more than infertility. It outlines the strain of delayed answers, pregnancy loss, and navigating fertility treatment while practicing medicine herself. The response was instant. Thousands of women shared similar experiences. Among the messages were deeply private reflections from women who had been silently navigating infertility for years. One woman wrote:

“I began my infertility journey in 2021 and stepped away after nearly two years. There were occasions when I questioned whether motherhood was meant for me. Still deep down, I know that is not my story, and I keep holding on to hope. Seeing Dr. Chi speak out reminded me that I’m not alone, that this isn’t just my struggle. It’s more common than we talk about. Over the next 30 days, I’m choosing to face my emotions and work through the depression that comes with wanting to be a mother and not knowing what’s next.”

Rather than centering blame, Dr. Chis focused on improvement. She advocates for women who feel unheard in clinical settings and provides educational tools that help them ask informed questions and navigate their care with confidence. Ten million views in one month signals a deeper issue. Dr. Chi continues to practice medicine while urging the profession to listen more closely, document more carefully, and respond more decisively.

For media inquiries, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Chinyere “Dr. Chi” Johnson for both in-person and Zoom interviews please contact Innovating Marketing Group at info@innovatingmarketinggroup.com or call 346-980-9062.

About Dr. Chinyere “Dr. Chi” Johnson

Dr. Chinyere “Dr. Chi” Okpaleke, MD, is a Houston-based family medicine physician, mental health advocate, and founder who understands what it means to sit on both sides of the exam table. After years of caring for patients, she found herself navigating infertility, loss, and the frustration of not feeling heard within the very system she works in. Instead of staying silent, she shared her journey publicly. Her candid video series reached more than 10 million views in just 30 days and sparked honest conversations about bias in healthcare, burnout, and the emotional weight women quietly carry.

Known for her warmth, transparency, and practical wisdom, Dr. Chi blends medical expertise with lived experience. Through speaking, media, and community work, she empowers women to advocate for their health, protect their mental well-being, and know that they are not alone.

Press Contact:

LaToya F Hurley
3469809062
Contact Us
http://www.Innovatingmarketinggroup.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/10-million-views-in-30-days-dr-chis-viral-series-shines-light-on-infertility-and-dismissed-symptoms-black-women-face-302692027.html

SOURCE Dr. Chinyere “Dr. Chi” Johnson

A Houston physician turns her private infertility journal into a national wake-up call, sparking urgent conversations about medical dismissal, maternal health disparities, and the voices Black women refuse to silence.

HOUSTON, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In December, Dr. Chinyere “Dr. Chi” Johnson took a bold leap and released a video series detailing her infertility journey. Within the journal, she shared her process in becoming pregnant, including loss and experiencing medical dismissal. What was intended to be a vulnerable private video journal became, instead, a story she shared online with her followers. To her surprise, within the first 30 days of the series’ release, it garnered 10 million plus views across social media. What began as an online video journal became a broader conversation about how Black women are treated in healthcare.

Dr. Chi is a Houston-based hospitalist, mental health advocate, and former Division I athlete accustomed to discipline and structure. Yet when she raised concerns about her own health, she met a reality many Black women describe; symptoms minimized, concerns delayed, and persistent questions brushed aside.

“I knew the system,” Dr. Chi says. “But knowing it doesn’t prevent you from experiencing it.”

Her story reflects patterns backed by data:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that Black women in the United States are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, disparities that experts often link to delayed recognition of complications and inequitable care. A 2016 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that some medical trainees and students held false beliefs about biological differences between Black and white patients, affecting pain assessment and treatment recommendations. Research from the Commonwealth Fund shows Black women are more likely than white women to report that medical providers did not listen carefully or take their concerns seriously.

Dr. Chi’s series documents more than infertility. It outlines the strain of delayed answers, pregnancy loss, and navigating fertility treatment while practicing medicine herself. The response was instant. Thousands of women shared similar experiences. Among the messages were deeply private reflections from women who had been silently navigating infertility for years. One woman wrote:

“I began my infertility journey in 2021 and stepped away after nearly two years. There were occasions when I questioned whether motherhood was meant for me. Still deep down, I know that is not my story, and I keep holding on to hope. Seeing Dr. Chi speak out reminded me that I’m not alone, that this isn’t just my struggle. It’s more common than we talk about. Over the next 30 days, I’m choosing to face my emotions and work through the depression that comes with wanting to be a mother and not knowing what’s next.”

Rather than centering blame, Dr. Chis focused on improvement. She advocates for women who feel unheard in clinical settings and provides educational tools that help them ask informed questions and navigate their care with confidence. Ten million views in one month signals a deeper issue. Dr. Chi continues to practice medicine while urging the profession to listen more closely, document more carefully, and respond more decisively.

For media inquiries, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Chinyere “Dr. Chi” Johnson for both in-person and Zoom interviews please contact Innovating Marketing Group at info@innovatingmarketinggroup.com or call 346-980-9062.

About Dr. Chinyere “Dr. Chi” Johnson

Dr. Chinyere “Dr. Chi” Okpaleke, MD, is a Houston-based family medicine physician, mental health advocate, and founder who understands what it means to sit on both sides of the exam table. After years of caring for patients, she found herself navigating infertility, loss, and the frustration of not feeling heard within the very system she works in. Instead of staying silent, she shared her journey publicly. Her candid video series reached more than 10 million views in just 30 days and sparked honest conversations about bias in healthcare, burnout, and the emotional weight women quietly carry.

Known for her warmth, transparency, and practical wisdom, Dr. Chi blends medical expertise with lived experience. Through speaking, media, and community work, she empowers women to advocate for their health, protect their mental well-being, and know that they are not alone.

Press Contact:

LaToya F Hurley
3469809062
Contact Us
http://www.Innovatingmarketinggroup.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/10-million-views-in-30-days-dr-chis-viral-series-shines-light-on-infertility-and-dismissed-symptoms-black-women-face-302692027.html

SOURCE Dr. Chinyere “Dr. Chi” Johnson

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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/announcing-the-tenth-cohort-of-ciee-frederick-douglass-daniel-oconnell-global-interns-in-ireland-302691901.html

SOURCE Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)