LIMASSOL, Cyprus, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- E-Sport Now, a new independent news platform dedicated to competitive gaming, officially launched earlier this month. Its mission is clear: to bring the rigor, credibility, and depth of professional sports journalism to esports.

At launch, the site covers Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Valorant, League of Legends, and Call of Duty in depth, with more titles being added later down the line, pairing daily reporting with live match coverage, tournament hubs, and data-driven rankings. Its ambition is clear: to become a go-to destination for everything in competitive gaming and one of the most trusted names in esports coverage.

Journalism by people who actually watch the games

The founding idea behind E-Sport Now is simple: the people reporting on esports should be the ones who follow it most closely. The editorial team watches the matches first and writes about them second. The focus is on the stories and numbers behind a result, not on headlines recycled from official announcements.

To back that up, the platform has committed to five core values that guide every article, stat, and profile: experience, depth, coverage, integrity, and passion. Every story is fact-checked before it goes live, coverage remains editorially independent, and any mistakes are corrected openly with a clear note on what changed. Reader feedback actively shapes the editorial agenda, from grand finals to emerging talent.

"We built E-Sport Now for the fans who stay up through the night to catch a deciding map," said Jonathan Nicholson, lead editor of E-Sport Now. "Speed matters in esports, but accuracy matters more. Our readers should never have to look elsewhere to understand why a result happened."

Key features at a glance

E-Sport Now goes beyond a classic news feed and combines editorial content with live data and reference hubs:

• Daily news across five core titles: Results, roster moves, transfers, and patch notes, complemented by in-depth analysis of major events, features, and interviews. Other titles are covered whenever something newsworthy happens.
• Live match center: Live ticker on the homepage shows ongoing scores and countdowns to upcoming matches, each linked to a dedicated match page.
• Tournament hubs: Tournament Spotlight presents active events with location, dates, prize pool, participating teams, and the progress of each stage at a glance.
• ESN Rankings: Proprietary power rating for teams in CS2, Valorant, League of Legends and Dota 2, showing form, win–loss records, win rates, and points, updated whenever results change. Player rankings add performance ratings and K/D statistics.
• Team, player, and transfer databases: Profiles include recent form, roster history, and the key stats that explain a slump or a breakout.
• Patches, updates, and guides: Patch analysis, meta breakdowns, and tier lists for competitive and ranked play.
• Fast search and newsletter: Site-wide search across articles, teams, players, and tournaments with game filters, plus a free newsletter with match previews, breaking roster news, and exclusive analysis.

The platform is also active on X, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit and Facebook.

A lean team with deep scene knowledge

E-Sport Now launches with a three-person editorial team, each member covering the titles they know best. Readers always know who wrote what.

• Jonathan “Jonno” Nicholson, lead editor, brings more than 13 years of experience in esports journalism. Since 2014 he has written for publications including Esports Insider, Gfinity Esports, GGRecon, and Red Bull, with a particular focus on Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, and Valorant.
• Sofia “Fia” Lindqvist, based in Sweden, covers the MOBA scene, with Dota 2 and League of Legends as her specialties.
• Lukas “Luki” Brandt, based in Germany, covers the shooter titles Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Call of Duty — a passion that began with Counter-Strike 1.6 in an internet café.

The team plans to grow and is actively inviting writers and analysts to get in touch.

Launching into a packed season

The timing of the launch puts E-Sport Now right in the middle of one of the busiest periods on the esports calendar. In its first weeks, the platform is already covering the League of Legends World Championship, the VCT Champions playoffs, and major Counter-Strike 2 events, alongside breaking stories such as roster changes and player retirements.

"We are a young site and we are upfront about that," Nicholson added. "But our goal is to earn a place alongside the outlets fans already trust — one accurate, well-explained story at a time."

About ESPORTNOW Media, Ltd.

E-Sport Now is an independent digital news platform covering competitive gaming worldwide. Founded in 2026 and based in Limassol, the platform is committed to accurate, fair, and transparent esports journalism. Its coverage spans breaking news, match reporting, in-depth features, interviews, analysis, and investigative reporting on the esports industry. For more information, visit esportnow.com.

Media Contact

Johnathan Nicholson
Lead Editor
info@esportnow.com

LOS ANGELES, CA, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Target Test Prep has been voted No. 1 Test Prep in Newsweek’s 2026 Readers' Choice™ Awards for Best Test Prep. Founded by Scott Woodbury-Stewart, Target Test Prep is an education technology company that provides comprehensive online preparation for the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, and SAT. For Target Test Prep, the recognition marks a significant milestone. Target Test Prep first built its reputation in GMAT prep and has since expanded into GRE, SAT, and Executive Assessment prep.

Target Test Prep finished ahead of some of the largest and most established names in test prep, including Kaplan, The Princeton Review, Manhattan Prep, Magoosh, and UWorld. After being selected by Newsweek editors and panelists as one of this year’s nominees, Target Test Prep was voted the No. 1 Best Test Prep provider by Newsweek readers and consumers, reflecting the experiences of the students who use Target Test Prep.

"What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the support behind it," said Scott Woodbury-Stewart, founder and CEO of Target Test Prep. "We have spent years working to build the kind of company students can trust when their goals really matter. Seeing that trust reflected back through this recognition means an enormous amount to our entire team."

Target Test Prep’s instruction covers every section of each exam, with adaptive study plans that adjust to each student’s timeline, starting point, and score goal. So, whether a student has three months or three weeks to prepare, they can focus on the areas that will move their score most. Flexible access means students can start small, study at their own pace, and pay only for the time they need.

For Target Test Prep students, the score is often only the beginning. Each year, students who prepare with Target Test Prep earn top scores and gain admission to highly selective undergraduate and graduate programs, including top MBA programs such as Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and The Wharton School.

"The voting happened over a short period, but the votes were earned over years," Woodbury-Stewart said. "They were earned one student at a time, one breakthrough at a time, and one successful outcome at a time. We are incredibly grateful to every student who trusted Target Test Prep, recommended us, supported us, and voted for us."

The Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards recognize standout businesses, brands, and experiences across a wide range of consumer categories. Nominees are selected by Newsweek editors and panelists, with readers and consumers then invited to vote for their favorites. The results determine each nominee’s final placement within its respective category.

The 2026 program highlights leading companies across numerous industries, including the Best Test Prep category, where Target Test Prep was voted No. 1.

"In a crowded marketplace, the opinions of consumers are a powerful measure of what stands out," said Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham. "Newsweek’s Readers' Choice Awards give our readers a voice in recognizing the brands, products, and experiences they value most. We’re proud to celebrate this year’s winners."

The Newsweek honor adds to a growing list of awards for Target Test Prep. In 2025, Target Test Prep was named Test Prep Solution Provider of the Year in the EdTech Breakthrough Awards.

"Our goal now is to keep raising the standard for what great test preparation can deliver," Woodbury-Stewart said. "Target Test Prep is built for students with ambitious goals. We want to help more of them earn extraordinary scores, gain admission to the world’s top colleges and graduate programs, and achieve goals they once thought were out of reach."

About Target Test Prep

Target Test Prep is an award-winning education technology company providing online prep courses for the GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment, and SAT. Target Test Prep combines rigorous instruction, personalized study plans, advanced analytics, expert support, on-demand learning, and AI-powered educational tools that analyze each student’s performance and recommend what to study next, helping students master challenging material, earn exceptional scores, and reach their academic and professional goals.

About Newsweek

Newsweek is the global digital news organization built around the iconic 93-year-old American magazine. Newsweek reaches 100 million people monthly with its thought-provoking news, opinion, images, graphics, and video delivered across a dozen print and digital platforms. Headquartered in New York City, Newsweek also publishes international editions in EMEA and Asia. For more information, visit www.newsweek.com.

Media Contact

Target Test Prep
Press/Media Relations
info@targettestprep.com

NEW YORK, NY, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Municipal Credit Union (MCU), the largest credit union headquartered in New York City, has grown from $3.1 billion to $5.2 billion in assets within recent years while advancing a modernization program across its physical and digital operations. The member-owned, not-for-profit institution serves more than 650,000 members and operates 17 branches across New York City.

The modernization includes renovations to MCU’s home office and branch locations, along with a shift from traditional teller roles to member service representatives trained to assist with a broader range of financial needs. MCU is also updating its digital and mobile banking capabilities.

Those investments reflect the realities of serving members in one of the country’s most complex and expensive markets. With rich culture, vibrant diversity, and abundant professional opportunities, New York City has held the title of the United States’ most populated city since the 1700s. The area’s cost of living — significantly higher than the national average — poses unique challenges for the over 8.5 million people who call the five boroughs home.

MCU has a distinctively local focus. Rather than creating products that appeal to a broader national demographic like larger financial institutions, MCU offers services tailored to the needs of New Yorkers. The credit union also returns money to its members through benefits like lower fees and better rates.

When MCU was founded in 1916, it catered specifically to municipal workers. Since then, the credit union has expanded its reach to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in New York City, with comprehensive offerings from checking and savings accounts to credit cards and investment services. Every service carefully considers the needs of members, such as personal loans under $15,000 — perfect for those who just moved to the city and need additional money upfront for initial costs, like renovations.

“Living in New York means making difficult financial decisions every day, and the stakes have only gotten higher,” says Kyle Markland, CEO. “Buying a home, saving for college, preparing for retirement — these are all milestones that require a plan. MCU is here to support New Yorkers at every stage of that journey. We understand the unique challenges of living here, and we’re committed to giving our members the guidance, tools, and local expertise they need to move forward with confidence.”

Symbiotic Success

Within recent years, MCU has grown from a $3.1 billion institution to a $5.2 billion institution serving more than 650,000 members across New York City. Guiding this growth is Markland, a 40-year credit union veteran who became CEO in 2020. During his tenure, he has led a member-first strategy that has improved operations organization-wide.

Part of this initiative is a modernization of MCU’s brick-and-mortar locations, including both its home office and branches, through complete renovations. Inside these locations, the traditional teller role will be filled by “member service representatives” trained to help members with all their financial needs — reducing wait times by eliminating the middleman. Markland also kickstarted a process to bring the credit union’s digital and mobile banking up to the standards people expect today.

This success is symbiotic, benefiting both MCU and the members it serves. As a member-owned organization, growth extends to superior services and community outreach through philanthropic giveback in areas like homeownership and education.

“We want to reward our members, and we’re here to help them in multiple areas of their lives, whether that’s an evolution of our products or finding ways for them to make more money,” says Markland. “We’re here to support those who support us. It’s a win-win.”

About Municipal Credit Union

Established in 1916 in New York City, Municipal Credit Union is the oldest credit union in New York. By providing a full range of financial services to municipal employees, police officers, firefighters, teachers, health care workers and others, MCU has grown to $5.2 billion in assets and over 650,000 members. Today, MCU membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in New York City. MCU operates 17 branches across New York City. MCU is an equal opportunity lender and deposits are insured to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration. To learn more, visit nymcu.org.

Disclaimer

Municipal Credit Union (MCU) is an Equal Housing Lender and is federally insured to at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Membership eligibility requirements apply. All loans — including personal loans and home financing options — are subject to credit approval, income verification, and underwriting terms. Rates, terms, and maximum loan amounts are subject to change without notice. Lower fees, competitive deposit rates, and member benefits vary by product type and account qualification, and dividend rates or APYs may change after account opening.

Media Contact

Cania Infante
cinfante@nymcu.org

ATLANTA, GA, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- People First Federal Credit Union has grown its business by more than 33% over the past five years, according to President and CEO Howie Meller, as the credit union expands personalized financial services across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and eastern Ohio. People First now serves 78,000 members through nine branches and has more than $1 billion in assets.

“My team and I have grown the business by over 33% in five years,” said Meller. “Members are choosing People First because we do banking differently. And that growth belongs to my team. They show up every day for our members and for each other. I’m lucky to work with them.”

That growth builds on a history dating to 1950, when a group of Mack Trucks assembly line workers pooled their paychecks to create a financial institution that worked for their community. By the early 2000s, People First had expanded to reach more people who needed them most, while continuing to build its reputation one relationship at a time.

People First offers checking and savings, CDs, investments, mortgages, commercial lending, and real estate loans. But ask Meller what really sets the credit union apart, and he’ll point to philosophy long before products. “We want to be relevant to people and accountable to the community we’re part of,” he said. “Every decision starts with one question: What makes our members’ lives easier? That’s how we run this credit union.”

This means meeting members wherever they are. People First has invested in the same technology as the biggest banks — video associates, secure texting, AI-driven chat, and digital tools built for real life. “Convenience isn’t a luxury anymore,” said Meller. “It’s the baseline.”

People First has also built products you won’t find elsewhere. The Smart Saver Account offers a premium interest rate on the first $2,500 in savings — fully liquid, no penalties. “Normally, you have to have money to make money. We wanted to change that,” explained Meller. “Smart Saver is built for members historically locked out of the best rates.”

That same thinking shaped the Hometown Heroes Checking Account, which honors first responders, medical professionals, teachers, military members, veterans, and nonprofit staff with a 4% APY on balances up to $25,000 — plus a rate reduction and $1,000 toward closing costs for homebuyers. “These are the people who hold our communities together,” said Meller.

The Youth Account extends that philosophy to the next generation, rewarding children $5 for every grade higher than a B on their report card — up to $20 — and a birthday gift to their account each year. The message: Achievement is worth celebrating, and families have a partner invested in their children’s futures.

The People First Difference

Meller spent 30 years in big banking before joining People First, rising from teller to CEO. “I learned a lot, and I respect the people I worked with,” he said. “But our approach here is different, and that difference matters.”

You see it in how People First lends. “We start every conversation looking for a way to say yes,” said Meller. “Our team spends its time making loans work for our members. It’s never just a computer model.”

76 years ago, it took a group of assembly line workers pooling paychecks to build something their community didn’t have. Today, Meller’s job is making sure 78,000 members never lose that feeling of being the only one in the room, and that the next generation finds them ready when it’s their turn.

About People First Federal Credit Union

Our purpose is simple but powerful: help others achieve their hopes and dreams, invest in creating a better community and always put people first. We’re a member-owned, caring provider of financial services, committed to helping the people of the Lehigh Valley and beyond to improve their lives and secure a better future. We’re a federally chartered and insured credit union that has been serving the Lehigh Valley since 1950. For more information, visit peoplefirst.com.

Media Contact

tyler.welk@peoplefirst.com

LA CROSSE, WI, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Marine Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, says it has returned over $800,000 to borrowers through its My Loan Rewards program since the program began late last year. The program returns a portion of the interest paid on eligible loans each quarter when borrowers make their payments on time.

Marine Credit Union serves 73,000 members throughout Wisconsin and neighboring communities in Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois. Since 1931, the credit union has provided everyday financial products such as checking accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, and one-on-one counseling with certified financial counselors. Around 80% of its lending is mission-based, helping borrowers with higher credit-risk profiles who might not qualify for a traditional loan.

“Through a network of community partners, we connect members with trusted resources and services that support financial well-being beyond traditional banking,” says Tom Knothe, president and CEO of Marine Credit Union. “One example of our member-focused approach is our My Loan Rewards program. We reward borrowers for making their payments on time, returning a portion of the interest paid on their loan each quarter. It’s a great way to reward responsible borrowing, and we’ve returned over $800,000 to members since the program began late last year.”

That approach reflects the cooperative structure behind Marine Credit Union’s broader member services. Unlike a traditional bank, any profits the credit union earns are returned to members through better rates, lower fees, and expanded services. Members can also work directly with their local branch to find creative, personalized solutions for other financial needs.

“We’re neighbors helping neighbors,” says Knothe. “As an organization, we share a passion for improving lives. We strive to be a force for good.”

Marine Credit Union says that service-focused mission is central to its operations, and Knothe provides servant leadership training for employees throughout the organization.

“We exist to meet the needs of our stakeholders,” explains Knothe. “Our culture is built around servant leadership. We’re focused on meeting the needs of our members, supporting our employees, and engaging with our communities. We believe strong communities create strong financial futures — that’s why we are focused on the entire community. While we proudly offer mission-focused solutions that expand access and provide additional support for those facing financial challenges, our purpose is to help every member build financial well-being and achieve their individual goals.”

Investing in Community

The same member-first philosophy also guides the credit union’s investments in the communities it serves. This includes homeownership programs such as Finding HOME, a free service that has helped 41 families from historically underserved communities qualify for home loans.

“Finding HOME helps people who would not be able to get a mortgage from a traditional financial institution,” says Knothe. “We pair prospective homeowners with a personal financial counselor to improve their credit score, reduce their debt load, and increase their savings. Once they graduate from the program, we help them qualify for a home loan.”

Through the Marine Credit Union Foundation, the organization has provided more than $2 million to support a wide range of local charities focused on financial education, affordable housing, and food insecurity.

“We have an entire division that is focused on giving back to our communities,” says Knothe. “We want to help our communities be as strong, healthy, and resilient as possible.”

Compassionate Underwriting

Marine Credit Union believes thriving communities depend not only on strong families and nonprofits, but also on successful local businesses. Many small businesses lack the credit history or financial track record to qualify for even modest loans from traditional lenders. As a result, many struggle to finance equipment purchases, facility improvements, or expansion.

Marine Credit Union takes what it calls a “compassionate underwriting” approach, applying the same emphasis on local knowledge and individualized solutions to business lending. The credit union says this allows its teams to consider the circumstances behind a financing request while supporting businesses that contribute to the communities it serves.

“Supporting local businesses is an essential part of being a true community partner,” says Knothe. “We know these communities, and we know what kinds of businesses help them become more vibrant.”

About Marine Credit Union

Marine Credit Union’s mission is to advance the lives of people from a place of financial need to a life of ownership and giving back in our communities. We are committed to providing financial services to all members of the community. Marine Credit Union is a full-service financial institution serving members with office locations in Wisconsin and Iowa. For more information, visit marinecu.com connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Disclaimer

Marine Credit Union is an Equal Housing Lender and is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, and membership eligibility criteria. The terms, qualifications, interest rebate calculations, and conditions associated with the My Loan Rewards program and special financing options may vary and are subject to change without notice; individual borrower outcomes depend on specific loan types, account status, and payment timing.

Media Contact

Isabel Collins
isabel.collins@marinecu.com

PARIS, France, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- At the 2026 Paris Motor Show, Clifford Kang, board member and vice president of SERES Group, announced that AITO plans to officially enter the European market in autumn 2027, marking another major step in its global development. With deep respect for Europe’s automotive heritage, AITO looks forward to collaborating and growing with partners around the world.

In China, AITO has earned the trust of over 1.2 million customers. Globally, in Brand Finance’s Automobiles 100 2026 ranking, AITO ranked among the world’s top 10 luxury automotive brands and was the No.1 Chinese luxury automotive brand by brand value, making it the only Chinese automotive brand.

Driven by its philosophy of “Intelligence Redefining Luxury," AITO is committed to bringing together traditional luxury and technological luxury to create an elevated intelligent mobility experience.

“AITO stands for ‘Adding Intelligence to Auto.' We believe a vehicle should be a mobile intelligent agent that understands you and responds to your needs. That is why we introduced our brand philosophy, Intelligence Redefining Luxury. It is our interpretation of what New Luxury means for AITO,” said Kang. “We come with deep respect for Europe's automotive heritage. We come to collaborate and grow with partners around the world. And we come with our philosophy: Intelligence Redefining Luxury.”

As AITO strengthens its global presence, it looks forward to working with partners across the value chain to build a healthy automotive ecosystem, foster mutual growth and bring intelligent luxury mobility to more customers around the world.

About Seres Group Co., Ltd. 

The name SERES is derived from the ancient Greek ‘Land of Silk’ (referring to China), which stands for the East and symbolizes luxury. SERES is a technology-based manufacturing enterprise with new energy vehicles as its core business. The business area of SERES covers R&D, manufacturing, sales & services of NEVs, and the core components, such as batteries, motors, and electronic control systems. For more information, visit en.seres.cn.

Media Contact

Zhao Yan Yu
yanyu.zhao@seres.cn

BARTLETT, TN, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- First South Financial, a member-owned credit union founded in 1957, is approaching its 70th anniversary in 2027 as it continues expanding across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The credit union currently serves more than 80,000 members, manages approximately $850 million in assets, operates 18 locations, and is on track to surpass $1 billion in assets in 2027.

The organization’s growth has been accompanied by longstanding measures of financial strength. First South Financial has earned BauerFinancial’s highest five-star rating for more than 130 consecutive quarters, and the draft reports that it ranks among the top 1% of financial institutions nationwide for financial strength and stability while maintaining a capital ratio more than five times the regulatory benchmark.

“We succeed when our members succeed,” says Dr. Craig Esrael, President and CEO. “Our goal is to make lives better. Financial strength gives us the ability to say ‘yes’ more often, invest in our members, and serve our communities for generations.”

“Those numbers represent something much more important than financial performance,” Esrael says. “They represent stability. They mean our members can trust that we’ll be here tomorrow, next year, and decades from now.”

Unlike traditional banks, First South is owned by the members it serves rather than outside shareholders. Earnings are reinvested into better rates, lower fees, expanded services, innovative technology, and stronger communities.

Banking with Friends

Growth, however, has never come at the expense of relationships.

That commitment is reflected in First South’s long-standing tagline, “Banking with Friends.” More than a marketing message, it represents the culture that has guided the credit union for nearly 70 years. Every interaction, decision, and investment begins with a simple belief: When members come first, long-term success follows.

“Our brand isn’t something we promote; it’s something we live,” says Maria McLendon, Chief Marketing Officer. “‘Banking with Friends’ reflects a culture built on trust, service, and putting people before profit.”

That philosophy is reflected in the credit union’s exceptional member loyalty. First South consistently maintains a Net Promoter Score (NPS) above +90, far exceeding industry averages. For the team, the greatest measure of success isn’t a transaction; it’s when a member recommends First South to a friend or family member.

“The greatest compliment we can receive is when a member trusts us enough to recommend First South,” says Summers Townsend, Executive Vice President and COO. “As we grow into new communities, our commitment remains the same: to earn that trust one member, one relationship, and one interaction at a time.”

Strength Creates Opportunity

Financial strength creates flexibility, especially when members need it most.

Rather than relying on distant corporate offices, lending decisions are made locally by experienced professionals who understand the communities they serve. They look beyond credit scores to understand each member’s circumstances and work to find responsible financial solutions.

“Our goal is to find a path to yes,” Townsend says. “Whether we’re helping someone establish credit, finance a major purchase, or plan for the future, we’re doing more than making loans — we’re building relationships that can positively impact families for generations.”

Members enjoy the convenience of modern digital banking while continuing to receive the personalized service and local decision-making that have always defined First South.

People Before Profit

As a federally chartered credit union with a low-income designation, First South believes financial opportunity should be accessible to everyone.

The organization proudly serves diverse communities throughout the Mid-South, including many individuals and families historically underserved by traditional financial institutions.

Its Hispanic Member Services division provides bilingual financial services, education, and lending support that remove barriers and expand access to financial opportunity.

“We believe everyone deserves a trusted financial partner,” McLendon says. “Creating products and services that reflect the communities we serve is simply the right thing to do. It also reflects our mission to make lives better.”

Technology supports that mission as well. Rather than adopting technology for technology’s sake, First South invests in smart solutions that improve convenience, strengthen security, and enhance member experience without sacrificing the personal relationships that define “Banking with Friends.”

“We don’t chase technology because it’s new,” McLendon says. “We invest in smart technology because it helps us serve people better.”

The Next Chapter

As First South approaches its 70th anniversary, the organization continues expanding throughout Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi while remaining true to the principles that have guided it since 1957: financial strength, local decision-making, and relationship-driven service.

Much of First South’s growth has occurred under the leadership of Esrael, who joined the credit union in 1983 and has helped transform it into one of the nation’s strongest and most respected financial institutions while remaining steadfast in its member-first mission.

Working alongside Townsend, McLendon, CFO Paul Pennebaker, CIO Tammy Craig, an experienced senior leadership team, and a dedicated Board of Directors, Esrael has fostered a culture built on collaboration, sound financial management, and long-term thinking. The Board, comprised of respected business and community leaders, provides strong governance and strategic oversight while empowering management to invest in the people, technology, and services that strengthen the organization for the future.

Together, the Board and leadership team are united by a common purpose: making lives better. Their commitment to financial strength, exceptional member service, and responsible growth has positioned First South to continue serving members, their families, and the communities they call home for generations to come.

“We are large enough to provide sophisticated financial solutions and strong enough to weather economic uncertainty,” Esrael says, “yet small enough to know our members by name and genuinely care about their success.”

For nearly 70 years, that philosophy has been known as “Banking with Friends.”

As First South Financial continues to grow, it remains committed to proving that the strongest financial institutions aren’t simply measured by the size of their balance sheet — they’re measured by the strength of the relationships they build and the lives they improve.

Join the mission-driven movement. Join First South Financial.

About First South Financial

First South Financial is a member-owned, federally insured financial institution serving members with a full range of financial services. Since 1957, its mission has been to provide members strong products, competitive value, and a high level of service. 

Media Contact

mmclendon@firstsouth.com

CHANTILLY, VA, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Justice Federal Credit Union, a Chantilly, Virginia-based financial cooperative founded in 1935, now serves nearly 75,000 members and holds approximately $1.2 billion in assets. The Credit Union serves employees, retirees, contractors, families, and supporters across the justice, law-enforcement, and public-safety community nationwide, with more than 100 paths to eligibility.

As part of its strategy to improve access and scale service, Justice Federal is continuing to invest in artificial intelligence, analytics, and its digital experience. President and CEO Mark L. Robnett said the technology investments support the organization’s broader goal of making banking simpler and more intuitive while moving the Credit Union from a transactional model toward a relationship-based approach.

“Everything we do is centered on improving the financial well-being of our communities and the people we serve,” says President and CEO Mark L. Robnett. “We talk a lot about reducing friction. We’re focused on making banking simple and intuitive.”

Robnett’s IT background informs his approach at Justice Federal. His interest in seamlessness and straightforward usability has led to the incorporation of what he calls “invisible” banking, which allows members to move through financial decisions with less effort and more confidence. Robnett transitioned the organization from a transactional model to a relationship-based approach. Under his leadership, Justice Federal has grown to 75,000 members and more than $1.2 billion in assets.

Justice Federal understands what it means to serve. From everyday spending, savings, and lending to investment services, the Credit Union provides all the services its members need. One offering Robnett finds particularly exciting is the Freedom Direct Savings Account, which allows members to build emergency savings through automatic transfers to a 4.00% APY account (as of June 2026). The Credit Union also provides financial wellness programs, educational resources, counseling, and more to support the communities they serve.

“I was raised by a single mother, so I saw firsthand how important financial knowledge and access can be,” says Robnett. “The most rewarding part of my role is knowing that the strategies we put in place can help people feel more stable and prepared for the future.”

The Future of Financial Services

As part of a broader strategy to improve access and scale service, Justice Federal has invested heavily in technologies like AI and analytics tools. This, says Robnett, will help the Credit Union become more agile and member focused.

As they move into the future, the team is always asking how they can serve better, simplify more, and become more relevant in their members’ lives. This defines the overall organizational mindset, which is firmly focused on progress. As the world continues to rapidly evolve, a forward-thinking approach is necessary for Justice Federal to not only survive but to thrive.

“We’re building for what’s next. We believe in readiness and making disciplined investments in technology, service, and financial wellness so that we’re prepared before those changes become urgent,” says Robnett. “That means we’re continuing to invest in technology, AI, analytics, and the digital experience, but always with a clear purpose. Our guiding principle is to be an unwavering partner for the justice, law enforcement, and public safety community.”

About Justice Federal Credit Union

Since 1935, Justice Federal has provided Members with financial stability, security, and exceptional service. With more than 100 paths to eligibility, Justice Federal serves employees, retirees, contractors, their families, and supporters within the justice, law enforcement, and public safety communities nationwide. The Credit Union serves more than 75,000 Members, manages more than $1.2 billion in assets, and is headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, with locations across eight states and the District of Columbia. Members also have access to more than 5,800 shared branches and over 135,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. For additional information, visit www.jfcu.org.

Disclaimer

Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 4.00% for the Freedom Direct Savings Account is accurate as of June 2026, subject to change without notice, dependent on membership eligibility, and may have earnings reduced by applicable fees (Federally insured by NCUA). This release contains forward-looking statements regarding Justice Federal Credit Union’s digital banking strategy, AI integration, and technology investments, which involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations.

Media Contact

Pat Duke
dukep@jfcu.org

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Convrsy, a U.S.-based AI startup, today announced its emergence from stealth. The company was unveiled publicly on Oct. 16 during TechCrunch week in San Francisco. Following twelve months of development and early pilots across the U.S. and Europe, Convrsy is introducing a platform designed to help organizations test strategies, anticipate stakeholder reactions, and rehearse critical conversations before they happen.

Organizations invest heavily in developing strategies, yet often have limited opportunities to test how decisions will be received or prepare people for the conversations that determine whether those strategies succeed.

Convrsy is built around a simple belief: consequential moments deserve preparation, not improvisation.

The platform uses realistic AI personas to simulate challenging interactions, from leadership conversations and organizational change to negotiations, media interviews, and crisis communications. Participants rehearse privately and receive structured feedback on their approach, how they handled pressure, and what to do differently.

Beyond individual rehearsal, Convrsy is developing synthetic stakeholder populations to help organizations explore how different audiences might react to proposed decisions and messages. Its longer-term vision connects three capabilities: testing strategies, preparing people to execute them, and learning from real-world outcomes.

"We started with a question: what if organizations could test their assumptions and rehearse consequential conversations before they happen?" said Jan Rosikon, founder and CEO of Convrsy. "AI cannot eliminate uncertainty or replace human judgment. But it can help us challenge assumptions, explore different perspectives, and prepare more thoughtfully."

From Transformation Experience to AI-Powered Preparation

Following the acquisition of MillionYou, a collective intelligence and crowdsourcing company acquired by EY in 2016, Rosikon subsequently worked on large-scale transformation initiatives across international markets, experience that helped inspire Convrsy’s focus on the human side of strategy execution.

"Transformation rarely fails because of strategy alone. The real challenge is often how people understand, respond to, and act on change," said Andy Lomas, Transformation Partner at Convrsy. "The opportunity with AI simulation is to help organizations prepare for those human moments, rather than discovering the challenges when it’s already too late."

Bootstrapped primarily with resources from the founder’s previous exit, Convrsy has been developed by an international team spanning AI, enterprise technology, organizational transformation, coaching, and public affairs.

Convrsy has engaged more than 20 organizations across the U.S. and Europe through early pilots, product testing, and collaborative development. Their feedback has helped shape the platform and identify practical applications across different business environments.

While industry-agnostic by design, Convrsy is initially focusing on financial services, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), technology, professional services, and the public sector.

Convrsy is also building a partner ecosystem enabling consultants, coaches, and specialist firms to bring their own methodologies and expertise into AI-powered simulations.

"We are moving toward a world where organizations can experiment with decisions and their potential consequences before committing to action," said Dr Aleksander Poniewierski, Strategic Advisor to Convrsy. "The real potential lies not simply in automating conversations, but in combining human expertise with AI to explore alternatives, challenge assumptions, and improve the quality of decisions."

Looking Ahead

Convrsy plans to expand its commercial presence in the US and Europe and is preparing for a seed financing round in 2027 to accelerate product development and go-to-market activities.

"Our first year was about listening, testing assumptions, building, and rebuilding," added Samantha Mulcahy, Leadership Development Partner. "We’re grateful to the many people who challenged us and helped shape the product. Emerging from stealth is an important milestone, but we’re still at the beginning."

About Convrsy

Convrsy is an enterprise rehearsal platform for consequential moments. The U.S.-based AI technology company helps organizations test strategies, anticipate stakeholder reactions, and rehearse high-stakes conversations before they happen. Building on experience in collective intelligence and enterprise transformation, the company combines AI-powered simulation, behavioral feedback, and organizational learning. Convrsy works with organizations across the U.S. and Europe. Learn more at convrsy.com.

Media Contact

Jan Rosikon
Founder and CEO, Convrsy
jan@convrsy.com

GREENSBORO, NC, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Global apparel icon Wrangler® introduces Hay Away™, a groundbreaking bonded sherpa technology engineered to bring practical purpose to a fall favorite. Built to prove that warm, high-pile fleece does not have to carry the outdoor mess home, Hay Away delivers the plush comfort and insulation of traditional sherpa while actively repelling hay, straw, mulch, and grass.

In time for its release this Fall, the patent-pending Hay Away was named the Category Winner in Fast Company’s 2026 Innovation by Design Awards in the Fashion and Beauty category. Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards honor the products, environments, and services that represent the intersection of functional design and real-world problem solving.

Innovation has always been at the heart of the Wrangler brand — from pioneering purpose-built Western wear to advancing sustainable textile development. With the introduction of Hay Away, Wrangler is directly addressing a long-standing frustration for rural workers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts: traditional sherpa fleece acts like a magnet for natural debris, leaving garments looking permanently unkempt and leading to premature wear. 

Engineered specifically around the real-world experiences of people who spend their days outdoors, this technology is built directly into the fabric construction rather than relying on a surface coating, wash, or seasonal finish. By pairing bonded sherpa warmth with proactive debris-repellent functionality, Wrangler transforms a daily frustration into performance innovation, ensuring outdoor layers can transition seamlessly from early-morning chores around the property to everyday wear. The technology also provides a practical solution for families, enabling children to play freely outdoors while shielding garments from stubborn, clinging debris. Beyond the farm and ranch, Hay Away equally serves outdoor enthusiasts — shielding hikers, campers, and adventurers from stubborn, clinging trail debris, bridging both Workwear and Outdoor categories in alignment with Wrangler’s strategy to expand beyond traditional denim.

"Historically, wearing plush fleece around livestock or outdoors meant dealing with constant debris," said Dhruv Agarwal, Vice President, Sustainability, Innovation & Development at Kontoor Brands. "We developed Hay Away specifically to eliminate that friction. By preventing debris from clinging to synthetic fibers, we have delivered high-performance warmth without the cleanup. This recognition from Fast Company underscores our commitment to practical, real-world material innovation."

The Hay Away collection debuts across a wide range of work-ready silhouettes and authentic styles for the entire family:

• Men’s Collection: Features the Hay Away Sherpa Zip Front Ripstop Yoke Jacket ($99.99) with reinforced ripstop yokes, full-zip closure, zippered chest pocket, and hand pockets. Additional styles include the Hay Away Sherpa Quarter-Zip Pullover ($79.99), available in Aztec Port and Black Olive Southwestern prints, and the Hay Away Sherpa Quarter Snap Pullover ($79.99) in Darkest Spruce.
• Women’s Collection: Highlights the Hay Away Sherpa Full Snap Jacket ($89.99), offered in striking patterns and colorways including Blue, Black, and White cow-print.
• Kids & Youth Collections: Extends debris-repellent protection to the whole family with Boys' and Girls' Sherpa Full-Zip Jackets (Girls, $59.99; Boys, $64.99), Boys' 1/4-Zip Pullovers ($54.99), and Little Boys' Mixed Sherpa Full-Zip Jackets ($39.99).

Wrangler Hay Away is available on Wrangler.com and at select retailers nationwide. To learn more about the collection, visit Wrangler.com or follow the brand on social media at @Wrangler.

About Wrangler

Wrangler®, of Kontoor Brands (NYSE: KTB), has been an icon in authentic American style for 75 years. With a rich legacy rooted in the Western lifestyle, Wrangler is committed to offering superior quality and timeless design. Its collections for men, women, and children look and feel great, inspiring all those who wear them to be strong and ready for everyday life. Wrangler is available in retail stores worldwide, including flagship stores in Fort Worth and Greensboro, department stores, mass-market retailers, specialty shops, top western outfitters, and online. For more information, visit Wrangler.com.

Media Contact

Ashley Lutzker
AMP3 Public Relations
ashley@amp3pr.com

CASPER, WY, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- NutraHarmony, a U.S. dietary supplement brand founded in 2021, today announced that its best-selling Biotin, Collagen & Keratin capsules have earned NSF certification under NSF/ANSI 173. The product now appears in NSF's public listings of certified products, where any shopper can check its status.

The certification means an independent organization, not the brand itself, has confirmed that the product contains what its label says and has screened it for contaminants and undeclared ingredients. The capsules carry more than 18,000 customer ratings on Amazon, with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Why independent verification matters

Under federal law, dietary supplements are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before they go on sale. "Under DSHEA, FDA does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements before they are marketed," the agency states. Making sure a product matches its label is the responsibility of the company that sells it.

That gap is not theoretical. A 2022 study published in JAMA Network Open tested 30 immune-support supplements purchased online and found that only 13 had labels that accurately reflected their contents. Nine contained ingredients that were not declared on the label at all.

"For most shoppers, the label is the only information they have about a supplement, and they have no way to check it themselves," NutraHarmony said in a statement. "We wanted our customers to be able to rely on an independent organization for that answer, not just on our word."

What NSF certification covers

NSF tests certified supplements in its own accredited laboratories rather than relying only on manufacturer data. Certification under NSF/ANSI 173 includes:

• Label claim verification: confirming the product contains the ingredients listed on the label
• Contaminant review: screening for undeclared ingredients and unsafe levels of contaminants
• Toxicology review: an assessment of the formula's intentionally added ingredients
• Ongoing oversight: NSF conducts annual audits and periodically retests each certified product

NSF certification verifies what is in a product. It is not an evaluation of a product's effectiveness.

"Biotin, Collagen & Keratin is the product our customers buy most, so it was the natural place to start," the company said. "Certification is not a one-time test: NSF keeps auditing and retesting the product, and anyone can look it up in NSF's public listings."

Availability

NutraHarmony Biotin, Collagen & Keratin capsules are available on Amazon. Answers to common questions about NutraHarmony products are available on the company's FAQ page.

About NutraHarmony

NutraHarmony is a U.S. dietary supplement brand founded in 2021. Its portfolio of more than 60 products spans hair, skin and nails, joint, heart and circulation, lung, sleep and relaxation, and hydration support, in capsule, liquid and gummy formats, along with hair-care products including serums, masks and oils. NutraHarmony’s Biotin, Collagen & Keratin capsules are certified by NSF under NSF/ANSI 173, the standard for dietary supplements. NutraHarmony products are available on Amazon, TikTok Shop and at nutraharmony.com.

Disclaimer

Statements made in this press release regarding NutraHarmony's dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. NSF/ANSI 173 certification confirms label accuracy, manufacturing quality control, and contaminant screening; it does not constitute an endorsement, therapeutic evaluation, or safety approval by NSF or the FDA. Dietary supplements can interact with medications or interfere with lab tests. Individuals should consult a licensed physician or qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.

Media Contact

Maria Miller
PR Manager
cooperation@nutra-harmony.com

NEW YORK, NY, October 17, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Transient, the AI governance platform built for regulated financial institutions, today marked its participation in the Nasdaq closing bell viewing ceremony in Times Square. For Sreej Menon, CEO and co-founder, the occasion carried significance beyond the symbolic; it was a moment to bring the team together around the shared conviction driving Transient since its founding: regulated institutions deserve bank-grade governance infrastructure for superintelligence — built by the team that engineered some of the most complex algorithmic trading systems on Wall Street.

“Standing together as a team at the Nasdaq closing bell ceremony in Times Square was a vibrant milestone on our journey to bring bank-grade Superintelligence governance to regulated markets. Uniting our team around this shared vision underscored the dedication driving our mission every day. Having the strategic backing of NEXT and Nasdaq has been vital in helping us establish this vision and empowering regulated institutions to move decisively from evaluation to active, production-grade deployment,” said Menon.

Transient was built by domain experts who understood, from the inside, what regulated institutions require before deploying AI at production scale. The compliance constraints, audit requirements, and need for total authority over every decision the system makes are not edge cases, they are the center of the problem. The Nasdaq ceremony brought the full team together at a moment when Transient is expanding its presence across banking, asset management, and financial services, translating the support of strategic backers NEXT and Nasdaq into real deployment momentum.

About Transient

Transient is an AI governance platform purpose-built for regulated market participants. Founded by domain experts, Transient enables enterprise leaders at regulated financial institutions to move decisively from evaluating superintelligence to actively deploying it, with bank-grade governance, total authority, and full institutional control. Learn more at transient.ai.

Media Contact

Jamie Kingsley
jamie@theprgenius.com

WASHINGTON, DC, October 16, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Washington Freedom, the Major League Cricket franchise owned by technology entrepreneur Sanjay Govil, is today marking the groundbreaking of a privately funded cricket park in Frederick, Maryland, advancing a permanent home for the team and a new sports and recreation destination for the region.

Planned for the Gateway property at 8400 East Patrick Street, the development brings together professional cricket, opportunities for youth and amateur athletes, and publicly accessible green space along the Monocacy River. The project reflects a broader ambition: to turn the growing visibility of cricket in the United States into a lasting presence in an American community.

The groundbreaking comes as cricket prepares to return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028. Washington Freedom has helped shape the sport’s emerging professional landscape in the United States, reaching the playoffs in each of Major League Cricket’s first four seasons, winning the championship in 2024, and returning to the finals in 2025 and 2026.

For Govil, founder of Infinite Computer Solutions, the Frederick project is an investment in both the future of the franchise and the infrastructure needed to sustain the sport’s growth.

“We’re thrilled to welcome a community-first cricket park for the Washington Freedom Cricket Team of Major League Cricket in Frederick, Maryland. It’s an important milestone for the growth of cricket in the United States and a meaningful step forward as we build momentum towards the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles,” said Govil.

A Home for Professional Cricket. A Destination for Frederick.

The planned park is designed to serve Washington Freedom and professional cricket while remaining active beyond the Major League Cricket season.

Plans include a professional cricket field, practice nets, a fan park, and recreational spaces for youth and amateur sports. Along the Monocacy River, the proposed development includes a waterfront public park, woodland meadows, and preserved green space, connecting the sporting venue with outdoor spaces for the broader community.

The project is also designed to attract visitors, support area businesses, and strengthen educational and workforce partnerships. By pairing professional sports with recreation and public access, Washington Freedom aims to create a destination that serves both cricket supporters and residents discovering the sport for the first time.

From Years of Planning to the Next Phase of Development

The groundbreaking follows a multiyear collaboration among Washington Freedom, City of Frederick officials, community organizations, and local leaders to refine the development and address operational details with community input.

With rezoning approved, the project is advancing to its next phase, including creation of the cricket pitch. The ceremony marks a milestone in that development process as the franchise works toward establishing its permanent home.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam, Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor, and Major League Cricket CEO Johnny Grave are scheduled to join Govil and other state, local, business, and community leaders for the ceremony.

For Washington Freedom, the Frederick park would connect a record of competitive success with a permanent presence in the region. For the surrounding community, it would bring professional sport together with new places to play, gather, and spend time outdoors.

About Washington Freedom

Washington Freedom is a professional cricket franchise competing in Major League Cricket (MLC), the United States' professional T20 cricket league. Owned by entrepreneur Sanjay Govil, the team is working toward establishing a permanent home in Frederick, Maryland, while contributing to the growth of cricket in the United States.

Media Contact

Warren Cohn
warren@rocketshippr.com
+1 917-796-7463

HANGZHOU, China, October 16, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Geely Holding Group (ZGH) today announced a global strategic partnership with Google to bring built-in Google Automotive Services to digital cockpits in all eligible ZGH portfolio brand vehicles in overseas markets where Google services are available. The first vehicle application is planned for the second half of 2027 in global markets outside of China and the United States, subject to applicable product, regulatory and market-readiness requirements.

At roll-out, eligible ZGH overseas vehicles will come with built-in Google services including Google Gemini, Play, Maps, and more. This fully integrated system delivers a comprehensive set of capabilities featuring a multimodal intelligent voice large model, global smart navigation, seamless cross-device connectivity, and an extensive portfolio of in-vehicle applications to elevate everyday journeys by making them easier and more convenient while keeping drivers' attention where it belongs: on the road.  

This partnership builds on other ZGH portfolio brands' long-standing partnerships with Google, including the Polestar 2 which has featured the built-in services beginning in 2020. The next roll out of Google services will be included in ZGH passenger vehicles from Geely, Lynk & Co., Proton, Riddara, and smart among others.

"People increasingly expect the same level of convenience and connectivity in their cars as they enjoy in their everyday lives," said Dr. Shen Yuan, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, ZGH. "Through our partnership with Google, we are bringing digital services directly into our vehicles to create a more seamless, intuitive and enjoyable driving experience."

For ZGH, meeting customers where they are means recognizing that digital habits and service ecosystems differ by market. The partnership is intended to connect customers to eligible ZGH portfolio brand vehicles through the familiar and global-leading Google digital ecosystem, helping deliver an improved customer experience.

"We are excited to bring Google built-in to more vehicles in ZGH’s portfolio," said Haris Ramic, Android for Cars Product Director at Google. "With this collaboration, we’re transforming the in-car experience for ZGH customers by providing drivers with their favorite apps, intuitive navigation and a personal AI assistant right from their dashboard."

Additional information on supported models, markets, features and timing will be announced as the rollout progresses. Customers should refer to their local ZGH portfolio brand websites and authorized retail channels for the latest information.

About Geely Auto Group

Geely Auto Group is a leading global automotive company headquartered in Hangzhou, China. Part of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Auto Group develops and manufactures passenger vehicles under the Geely, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr brands. With a strong focus on technology innovation, electrification, and sustainable mobility, Geely Auto Group operates world-class R&D centers and manufacturing facilities across China, Europe, and key international markets. The Group is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and intelligent vehicles enabled by advanced technologies such as hybrid powertrains, full-electric architectures, smart connectivity, and autonomous driving systems. As a global company, Geely Auto Group continues to expand its international presence through strategic partnerships, localized operations, and industry-leading platforms. Geely strives to create mobility solutions that are greener, smarter, and more accessible, driving forward the future of sustainable transportation. For more information, visit global.geely.com.

Media Contact

Janet Chen
media@geely.com

NEW YORK, NY, October 16, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- For generations, menopause was something women were expected to navigate quietly, often without the information, support, or the medical care they needed to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Today, that conversation is changing.

In recognition of World Menopause Day, national nonprofit organization Let’s Talk Menopause (LTM) and one of the largest and fastest-growing health insurers dedicated to the individual market, Oscar, are joining forces to help break the stigma surrounding menopause and to help empower millions of American women to advocate for their menopause health.

The two-week public service awareness (PSA) campaign, supported by Oscar, aims to normalize conversations about menopause while encouraging women to ask more questions, better understand their symptoms, explore available treatment options, and advocate for the care they deserve.

At the heart of the campaign is a simple but powerful message: Get the Facts. Get the Support. Get Talking.

“For too long, women have silently navigated the menopause transition, which has left a gap in education, information, and advocacy,” said Donna Klassen, co-founder of Let’s Talk Menopause. “This campaign encourages women to use their voices to reduce the stigma, elevate the conversation, and ultimately improve education and access to care. We’re grateful to Oscar for helping us bring this important message to more women.”

The multi-faceted, national PSA includes a social media campaign, where women can join the conversation by following Let’s Talk Menopause on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for information and resources on navigating the menopause transition. The campaign will also bring the menopause conversation directly to the streets of New York City, Charlotte, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Houston with PSA messaging featured on taxis throughout those cities.

“Talking openly about menopause can help women recognize what they’re experiencing, ask questions, and seek support,” says Janet Liang, President of Oscar Insurance. “At Oscar, we believe women deserve clear information about their health benefits and support in accessing care that meets their needs during all phases of life, including menopause. We’re proud to support Let’s Talk Menopause and this campaign in helping women prioritize their health, understand their options, and advocate for the care they deserve.”

About Let's Talk Menopause

Founded in 2020, Let's Talk Menopause (LTM) is a national nonprofit committed to transforming the conversation around menopause through education, advocacy, and storytelling so women get the information they need and the healthcare they deserve. LTM’s vision for the future is to ensure that all midlife women have access to user-friendly resources and free programming, multi-lingual symptom guides, and access to certified and trained clinicians, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. Its goals are to LTM women to navigate all stages of menopause, educate the public about menopause so the topic is no longer taboo, advocate for the medical community to invest in care for women in menopause, and connect women to find community and support throughout menopause. To learn more about the PSA and Let’s Talk Menopause, please visit letstalkmenopause.org.

About Oscar Insurance

Oscar Insurance is one of the largest and fastest-growing health insurers dedicated to the individual market. Oscar serves millions of individuals across the country with innovative products and CHOICE Arrangement solutions (formerly ICHRA) tailored to their life stages, health needs, and budgets. This includes HelloMeno, Oscar’s innovative product designed to provide women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause with access to affordable, comprehensive care and specialized support. Oscar technology-powered experiences make high-quality care easy to use and feel personal. Oscar is part of Oscar Health, Inc. (NYSE: OSCR). Learn more at HiOscar.com.

Media Contact

Mia Humphreys
Creo Communications
mia@letstalkmenopause.org
+1 239-297-6592

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 16, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Campfire, the AI-native ERP platform transforming how modern finance teams operate, today announced the appointment of Marcio Arnecke as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Arnecke brings extensive experience building and scaling global SaaS brands, launching innovative AI products, and helping disruptive technology companies challenge established industry leaders.

Most recently, Arnecke served as Chief Marketing Officer at Apollo.io, where he led the company's global marketing organization and helped accelerate its growth in the hyper-competitive GTM technology market.

Previously, he held executive leadership positions at Intercom, where he played a key role in bringing Fin, the company's AI customer service agent, to market, and at Zendesk, one of the world's leading customer experience software companies.

Throughout his career, Arnecke has focused on building high-growth SaaS brands, introducing disruptive technologies to market, and creating momentum for ambitious companies challenging established industry leaders.

Bringing Modern Marketing to an Underserved Market

Campfire is taking on one of enterprise software's most established categories, challenging legacy ERP providers such as NetSuite with an AI-native platform designed for modern finance teams.

For Arnecke, the opportunity represents the intersection of several professional passions: disruptive technology, ambitious teams, global markets, and the chance to bring exceptional marketing to an audience historically underserved by innovation.

"I've always been drawn to companies that challenge the status quo and build real momentum. Taking on an established player like NetSuite with a fundamentally different approach is exactly the kind of opportunity that excites me," said Marcio Arnecke, Chief Marketing Officer, Campfire. "Finance teams have been underserved by both technology and marketing for far too long, and Campfire has a real opportunity to change that. What ultimately convinced me was the combination of an exceptional team, a massive global market, and the ambition to build something category-defining. I love helping ambitious companies punch above their weight and turning great products into brands that people genuinely connect with. I'm incredibly excited to be part of Campfire's next chapter."

Accelerating Campfire's Next Phase of Growth

In his new role, Arnecke will lead Campfire's global marketing strategy, including brand, product marketing, demand generation, communications, and growth.

His appointment comes as Campfire continues to expand its presence in the enterprise finance market, bringing AI-native technology to organizations seeking a modern alternative to traditional ERP systems.

"Marcio brings a unique combination of experience scaling high-growth AI and SaaS businesses, launching transformative AI products, and building brands that challenge established categories," said John Glasgow, founder and CEO, Campfire. "His experience at Apollo, Intercom, and Zendesk, combined with his passion for disruptive technology and global growth, makes him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We're excited to have him help build Campfire into a defining company in enterprise software."

About Campfire

Campfire is an AI-native ERP platform built for modern finance teams. By combining modern financial infrastructure with artificial intelligence, Campfire helps businesses streamline accounting, automate financial workflows, and gain real-time visibility into their operations. Campfire is reimagining how finance works, providing organizations with a modern alternative to legacy ERP systems. Learn more at campfire.ai.

Media Contact

hello@campfire.ai

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, October 15, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Bayezon AI, the company behind the patent-pending Agentic Storefront™, today announced results from its work with viral beauty and skincare brand grace & stella, where Bayezon AI’s Agentic Commerce technology is helping the company capture more of the consumer demand it generates and convert that demand on its own direct-to-consumer storefront.

For grace & stella, the challenge wasn’t generating consumer interest. The brand had already built significant awareness and demand through social media, marketplaces, and wholesale distribution. The challenge was converting more of that demand into profitable, direct customer relationships.

When consumers discovered grace & stella through viral social content or paid advertising, much of that demand could ultimately flow toward marketplaces rather than the brand’s own storefront. Even when campaigns successfully brought shoppers directly to grace & stella, they could arrive at a largely static e-commerce experience with little understanding of what brought them there or what they actually wanted.

The emergence of AI-driven product discovery introduced another challenge. Consumers can now have detailed conversations with external AI tools about what they need, but when they move from that conversation to a conventional e-commerce storefront, much of the context and intent behind their journey can disappear.

Bayezon AI built Dewie, grace & stella’s agentic commerce experience, to address these challenges by connecting acquisition, intent, product intelligence, and conversational commerce within the brand-owned customer journey.

3.8x Higher Purchase Rate Among Customers Using Dewie

The commercial results provide an early indication of the potential impact.

According to grace & stella, customers who used Dewie recorded a 5.4% purchase rate compared with 1.4% among other customers, making customers engaging with Dewie 3.8x more likely to purchase.

But the numbers tell only part of the story. The way customers are choosing to interact with Dewie is also changing grace & stella’s understanding of what an AI-powered storefront can become.

"What surprises us most about Dewie is how customers actually use it," said Sonal Patel senior E-commerce manager of grace & stella. "Nearly nine in ten type a real question in their own words rather than clicking a suggested prompt. They’re not browsing a menu; they’re asking an expert. That changes what we thought we were building. And the commercial signal is hard to ignore: customers who used Dewie were 3.8x more likely to purchase, a 5.4% purchase rate against 1.4% for everyone else."

Nearly nine in ten customers using Dewie choose to type a real question rather than select a suggested prompt. Instead of simply navigating the website, they are describing what they need and using the experience to help them make a more informed purchase decision.

The figures demonstrate a strong association between Dewie engagement and purchase behavior, although they do not establish that Dewie alone caused the entire difference. Customers choosing to engage with an AI shopping experience may also have different levels of purchase intent.

Natural-Language Conversations Turned Into First-Party Customer Intelligence

For grace & stella, however, the value of those conversations extends beyond conversion.

Every natural-language interaction can reveal information that traditional e-commerce analytics may struggle to capture: what customers are worried about, what they’re shopping for, who they’re buying for, which product attributes matter to them and how they describe their needs in their own words.

At scale, those conversations create a valuable source of first-party customer intelligence.

"The most valuable thing Dewie gives us isn’t the conversion lift, it’s the questions," said Caroline Finn, CMO of grace & stella. "Thousands of customers telling us in their own words what they’re worried about, what they’re shopping for, and who they’re buying for — that’s insight we've previously paid for and waited months to get. We’re increasingly treating AI as a listening tool first and a sales tool second. Get the listening right and the growth follows."

For a brand that has historically generated significant sales through marketplaces and wholesale channels, that direct customer dialogue is particularly valuable. Instead of learning about consumers primarily through transactions, analytics, and periodic research, grace & stella can gain insight directly from the conversations occurring during the purchase journey.

The Agentic Storefront therefore becomes more than a place to transact. It becomes a continuously evolving source of customer understanding that can potentially inform merchandising, marketing, product development, and the broader customer experience.

Higher Conversion Through More Confident Customer Purchase Decisions

The behavior behind the results also highlights a fundamental difference between traditional e-commerce and Agentic Commerce.

Traditional e-commerce often requires customers to translate their needs into keywords, categories, and filters, then compare multiple products themselves. Dewie allows shoppers to explain what they need naturally and receive recommendations based on the intent behind their request.

This is particularly important in categories such as beauty and skincare, where customers may be considering several factors simultaneously. Rather than simply returning products matching a keyword, an agentic experience can reason across customer needs and product intelligence to help explain which products are relevant and why.

The objective is not simply to shorten the path to a product. It is to help customers make more confident purchase decisions by giving them a shopping experience that understands what they are trying to accomplish.

Higher ROAS From Social Campaigns and Paid Advertising

For a viral brand investing significantly in social campaigns and paid customer acquisition, generating a click is only valuable if the experience that follows can turn that interest into revenue.

Dewie enables grace & stella to create a more intelligent transition between advertising and commerce. When a shopper arrives through a campaign, the experience can understand the source and campaign context that brought the customer to the storefront. Rather than dropping every shopper onto the same static page and expecting them to start searching, Dewie can use that context alongside grace & stella’s product intelligence to present products relevant to the reason they arrived.

This allows the brand to make more effective use of the demand it has already paid to generate. The ad click becomes the beginning of an intent-led shopping journey rather than simply another website visit, creating an opportunity to convert more paid traffic directly and improve return on advertising spend.

AI-Driven Product Discovery Converted Into DTC Revenue

Consumers are increasingly using external AI tools such as ChatGPT to research products, compare options, and determine what might best meet their needs. During those conversations, shoppers can reveal valuable information about the problems they are trying to solve, their preferences, concerns, budget, intended use, and who they are buying for.

The problem for retailers is what happens next. When a customer moves from an external AI experience to a conventional e-commerce site, the storefront may have little understanding of the conversation that led them there. The shopper effectively has to start again, and valuable purchase intent can be lost at the point where the brand has its best opportunity to convert it.

Dewie is designed to bridge that gap. When conversational context from an external AI journey is available to the storefront, Dewie can continue the experience with a richer understanding of the shopper’s intent, and reason across grace & stella’s product intelligence to recommend relevant products and explain why those products fit the customer’s needs.

For grace & stella, this creates an opportunity to turn AI-driven product discovery into brand-owned DTC revenue, while creating a more continuous journey from external discovery to purchase.

Greater Ownership of the Customer Journey and Customer Relationship

The bigger opportunity for grace & stella is greater ownership of the entire customer journey.

The brand already knows how to generate attention. The challenge is ensuring that the value created by that attention doesn’t end up elsewhere.

Bayezon’s patent-pending Agentic Storefront™ is designed to connect the different stages of that journey: from social campaigns and paid advertising, through external AI discovery, to intent-led product recommendations, purchase, and ongoing customer intelligence.

By bringing more of that journey into the brand-owned experience, grace & stella has the opportunity to capture more DTC revenue, improve the economics of customer acquisition, and develop a deeper understanding of the people buying its products.

"Brands are spending enormous amounts of money creating demand, but too much of the intelligence behind that demand disappears when the customer reaches the storefront," said Raj Balasundaram, CEO of Bayezon AI. "Our goal with Agentic Commerce is to preserve that intent and connect it with product intelligence. grace & stella already had tremendous consumer interest. Dewie gives them a way to understand that demand, convert more of it directly, and learn from every conversation."

For grace & stella, winning the DTC race isn’t simply about moving transactions from marketplaces to its own website. It’s about connecting discovery, intent, product intelligence, and conversion so that the brand can own more of the customer journey — and build a stronger direct relationship with the customer in the process.

About Bayezon AI

Bayezon AI is an Agentic Commerce Platform transforming e-commerce with autonomous AI agents that understand shopper intent and deliver effortless, real-time recommendations. Guided by the philosophy “No Clicks, No Searches. Just Talk & Buy,” Bayezon unifies advanced AI tools to drive higher conversions, measurable ROI, and scalable, intelligence-powered shopping experiences. For more information, visit bayezon.ai.

Media Contact

Raj Balasundaram
raj@bayezon.ai

ISTANBUL, Türkiye, October 15, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Responding to growing demand from international patients, Omer Istanbul Dental Clinic has officially relocated to a new 5,200-square-metre, seven-storey multidisciplinary dental complex near Istanbul’s prestigious Florya area. The move marks a major milestone in the clinic’s expansion of clinical capacity, digital infrastructure and international patient services.

The purpose-built facility features 33 treatment and procedure rooms, advanced surgical infrastructure, fully integrated digital clinical workflows and dedicated patient support teams, bringing multidisciplinary dental services together under one roof.

“Our move is about much more than creating a larger clinical space. We wanted to build an environment where advanced technology, multidisciplinary expertise and patient care could work together more effectively,” said Dr. Omer Karaaslan, founder and Chief Dentist of Omer Istanbul Dental Clinic. “For patients travelling internationally, the experience extends well beyond the treatment itself. This investment allows us to strengthen every stage of that journey, including the support we provide after they return home.”

Fully Digital Dentistry and Advanced Surgical Capabilities

At the heart of the new complex is a fully integrated, 100% digital dentistry workflow designed to support greater precision, efficiency and patient comfort throughout the treatment process.

By connecting every stage of care, from initial diagnostics and treatment planning to digitally guided procedures and restorative solutions, the system enables multidisciplinary teams to collaborate more effectively, minimise manual processes and reduce the potential for human error.

Combined with advanced surgical infrastructure, this digital-first approach supports complex treatments, including dental implants, aesthetic and restorative dentistry, oral surgery and full-mouth rehabilitation, while creating a more streamlined and comfortable experience for patients.

Architecture Designed Around Patient Comfort

Beyond its clinical capabilities, the new facility has been thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients.

Spacious waiting lounges, dedicated relaxation areas and carefully planned interior spaces are intended to offer a calmer experience throughout the treatment journey. The architectural approach combines the functionality of a modern healthcare facility with an emphasis on comfort, privacy and patient well-being.

“We wanted to create a space that feels different from a traditional dental clinic. From spacious waiting lounges to dedicated relaxation areas, every detail was considered to create a calm, welcoming environment where patients can feel comfortable and at ease throughout their visit,” added Dr. Karaaslan.

Dedicated International Patient Experience and After Care

Recognising the additional coordination involved in travelling abroad for dental treatment, Omer Istanbul Dental Clinic has strengthened its international patient services through two dedicated teams.

The Patient Experience team supports patients throughout their stay in Istanbul, coordinating appointments, communication and practical arrangements related to their treatment.

The After Care team provides post-treatment follow-up, ongoing communication and assistance after patients return to their home countries, extending the clinic’s patient support beyond the treatment itself.

These services are complemented by multilingual patient coordinators and comprehensive support throughout the international patient journey, from travel and accommodation arrangements to treatment coordination.

A Strategic Investment in International Dental Care

The relocation represents a long-term investment in clinical infrastructure, digital technology and a more integrated approach to international patient care.

By bringing multidisciplinary dental services, advanced surgical capabilities, patient-centred spaces and dedicated support teams together under one roof, the new complex is designed to support the clinic’s continued growth while strengthening the overall patient experience.

About Omer Istanbul Dental Clinic

Omer Istanbul Dental Clinic is an internationally recognised dental healthcare provider based in Istanbul, Türkiye, founded by Dr. Omer Karaaslan. Named “International Cosmetic Dental Clinic of the Year,” the clinic has treated thousands of patients from more than 80 countries, specialising in aesthetic dentistry, dental implantology and comprehensive oral rehabilitation. Operating from a new 5,200-square-metre, 7-storey multidisciplinary dental complex, the clinic combines advanced digital dentistry, surgical expertise and patient-centred care. Its services include smile design, zirconia crowns, E-max veneers, dental implants, full-mouth restorations and advanced surgical procedures. Certified by Türkiye’s Ministry of Health for international health tourism, Omer Istanbul Dental Clinic offers multilingual patient coordination, comprehensive travel and treatment support, and dedicated Patient Experience and After Care services for patients from around the world. For more information, visit omeristanbul.com.

Media Contact

Omer Istanbul Dental Center
info@omeristanbul.com
+90 552 840 34 34

NEW YORK, NY, October 15, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- EZ Newswire, the newswire built for AI visibility and premium publisher distribution, today announced the launch of workspaces, a feature that turns every user account into a shared environment for multiple team members — particularly helpful for PR agencies and enterprise communications teams.

Between drafts, edits and approvals, finalizing a press release often involves collaboration from a team of individuals. But when that workflow is locked behind a single platform login, teams have to spend extra time coordinating those steps externally, which doesn’t scale for agencies servicing many client accounts at once or in-house teams iterating quickly. EZ Newswire’s workspaces bring that coordination into the product itself, giving each team member their own login and access, scoped to their respective organizations.

Every existing EZ Newswire account has been converted into a workspace, and existing users have automatically been made the admin of their own workspace. From there, admins can invite teammates by email; each invitee receives a link to join the workspace or complete a short signup if they are new to the EZ Newswire platform.

EZ Newswire workspaces support two roles: admins and contributors. Both can draft, check out and publish press releases, create new organizations and track analytics through reporting dashboards and performance reports. The difference is that admins manage the workspace details, including member invitations, organization access, billing and general account settings for every organization in the workspace, whereas contributors are only able to see and manage the settings of the organizations they have access to. Each organization has its own Members tab, so anyone with access can see who else is working in it.

Billing for a workspace is centralized. Invoice receipts for every organization are managed by admins from a single Billing tab and are filterable by invoice number, release headline or organization.

"Sharing a single login is a major operational bottleneck for agencies and fast-moving PR teams managing multiple client brands,” said Neel Shah, CEO of EZ Newswire. “Workspaces remove that friction — giving every team member secure, role-based access so teams can draft, approve, and distribute news at the speed required today.”

Workspaces are available now to all EZ Newswire accounts. Existing users can invite team members from workspace settings, and new users can create a workspace and invite their team during signup.

About EZ Newswire

EZ Newswire is the newswire built for AI performance with a premium distribution network, real-time reporting, and AI citation tracking and insights on a single platform. From startup to scale-up to S&P 500, the most influential agencies and organizations rely on EZ Newswire to shape digital and AI presence. Learn more at eznewswire.com.

Media Contact

Michelle Songy
media@eznewswire.com

ATLANTA, GA, October 15, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- GetPicks, the daily fantasy sports platform built around fast withdrawals and social play, has closed a $3 million equity round backed by gaming industry angels and operators.

The platform uses blockchain and stablecoin payment rails to process withdrawals in under five seconds, according to the company. Since launching in June 2026, GetPicks has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes and attracted more than 35,000 registered users.

The funding will support GetPicks’ U.S. expansion and further product development, building on social features that let users follow other players, copy lineups and earn rewards when others tail their picks. 

At a glance

• $3 million equity round backed by gaming industry angels and operators.
• Withdrawals in under five seconds using stablecoin payment rails.
• Hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes awarded since launch.
• More than 35,000 registered users, with the platform available in 21 U.S. states.
• One-tap tailing, copy rewards, referrals and in-app incentives. 

Backed by experienced gaming operators

The investor group includes founders of publicly traded gaming companies, executives from major U.S. lottery and sweepstakes platforms, and operators behind multi-billion-dollar gaming exits.

Together, they bring decades of experience across U.S. gaming, lottery, sweepstakes and gaming infrastructure, giving GetPicks an experienced group of backers as it expands.

The founders are serial entrepreneurs whose previous work spans consumer apps, financial products, performance marketing and affiliate distribution. GetPicks brings that experience into daily fantasy sports, with a focus on making the product easier to use and removing friction from withdrawals.

Faster access to winnings

Daily fantasy has grown into a mainstream U.S. pastime, but much of it still runs on legacy financial infrastructure. Deposits go through card processors, withdrawals go through banks, and players have to take on the delays and friction that come with both.

GetPicks uses stablecoin payment rails to process withdrawals in under five seconds. It says some users deposit and immediately withdraw to test the speed for themselves before returning to play. 

Bringing social play into the app

GetPicks brings sharing, discovery and rewards into one social ecosystem. 

Users can:

• Follow other players and see their lineups.
• Tail a full lineup in one tap, making it easier to participate alongside someone they follow.
• Bring friends through referrals and access in-app incentives.
• Earn rewards when other users copy their lineups. 

Players can publish their lineups and build a following, while others can discover their picks, follow their activity and copy a full lineup in one tap. Players earn rewards when their lineup is copied, giving them a way to earn rewards and an incentive to keep sharing and attracting followers.

This creates a flywheel: shared lineups help users discover players to follow, copying turns that interest into participation, and rewards encourage creators to publish their next lineup, connecting the experience of making picks with sharing them. 

These features also let users see who is winning and whose lineups are performing well. For creators, from newcomers to more established names, that visible track record provides a way to build credibility, attract followers and grow a community around their picks.

Early traction and U.S. expansion.

Since launch, GetPicks has attracted more than 35,000 registered users and awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes across 21 U.S. states. With the new funding, GetPicks plans to expand its creator and community programmes, develop its social features and grow across eligible U.S. markets as the NBA season gets underway.

About GetPicks

GetPicks is the first daily fantasy sports platform built on stablecoin payment rails, giving users access to their winnings prizes through withdrawals in seconds. Users build lineups based on player-stat projections, follow other players and copy their selections in one tap. For more information, visit getpicks.app.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding GetPicks’ future business plans, product developments, and market expansion. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially. GetPicks undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Participation in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is subject to applicable state and federal laws. GetPicks services are restricted to eligible individuals of legal age (18+ or 21+ depending on state jurisdiction) residing in authorized U.S. states. Void where prohibited by law. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org. Digital asset and stablecoin transactions involve inherent technical, regulatory, and market risks. Withdrawal processing times are subject to identity verification (KYC/AML compliance checks), user account standing, and blockchain network status. GetPicks does not provide financial, legal, or investment advice.

Media Contact

Olivia Smith
hello@getpicks.app