Realtor Winn Sikes Honored for Lifetime of Texas Service

February 20, 2026

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Sikes at the 2026 Texas Realtors Winter Meeting

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — At its 2026 Winter Meeting, Texas Realtors presented Lubbock-based Realtor Winn Sikes with its Distinguished Service Award for her lifelong commitment to the real estate industry and her community. The award recognizes outstanding Realtors with a record of at least 25 years of service and civic participation in the state.

“For decades, Winn has embodied what it is to truly serve the Realtor profession with class, honor, grace, and unwavering passion,” said Jennifer Wauhob, Chairman of Texas Realtors. “She has given her time, leadership, and wisdom to strengthen our profession, advocate for property rights, and mentor generations of Realtors. Her impact is both lasting and far-reaching.”

Since her real estate career began in 1977, Sikes has dedicated countless hours to committees and task forces, progressing through every level of local association leadership. During her time as president of the Lubbock association, she helped introduce the organization’s first lockbox system, a bold and forward-thinking innovation that permanently changed how real estate business is conducted.

A passionate advocate for political investment, Sikes is a member of the RPAC Hall of Fame at the $25,000 level and is well known for her belief that protecting the profession requires active engagement in the political process. She continues to serve faithfully on the Governmental Affairs/TREPAC Committee and leads the annual phone bank, remaining a trusted and familiar presence to leaders at the local, state, and national levels.

Sikes commented, “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from Texas Realtors. The real estate industry has given me so much over the years, and I have always believed that the best way to give back is to stay involved, serve others, and help strengthen our profession for the future.”

About Texas REALTORS®
With more than 145,000 members, Texas REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We are the advocate for REALTORS® and private property rights in Texas.

CONTACT
David Gibbs
Hahn Agency
[email protected]

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SOURCE Texas Realtors

FIBRA Prologis Announces that Terrafina Obtained CNBV Authorization for the Cancellation of the Registration of its CBFIs in the National Securities Registry

February 19, 2026

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MEXICO CITY, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — FIBRA Prologis (BMV: FIBRAPL 14), one of the leading owners and operators of Class A industrial real estate in Mexico, announces that on February 18, 2026, Terrafina (“TERRA“) (BMV: TERRA13), a subsidiary trust of Fibra Prologis, received from the National Banking and Securities Commission (Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores, the “CNBV“) the official notice authorizing the cancellation of the registration of the real estate trust certificates (certificados bursátiles fiduciarios inmobiliarios) issued by Terrafina (the “CBFIs“) in the National Securities Registry (Registro Nacional de Valores, the “RNV“). Such authorization was granted in accordance with the resolutions adopted by Terrafina’s CBFI holders’ meeting held on December 1, 2025, at which its holders approved, among other matters, the cancellation of the registration of Terrafina’s CBFIs in the RNV.

As a result of such authorization Terrafina has carried out the process of delisting its CBFIs from the Mexican Stock Exchange (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, S.A.B. de C.V.) (the “BMV“), and therefore, Terrafina’s CBFIs have ceased to be listed and traded on such stock exchange.

In this respect, Fibra Prologis hereby informs the public that, following the disclosure made in the last tender offer for the acquisition of Terrafina’s CBFIs made by Fibra Prologis and which concluded on November 12, 2025 (the “Tender Offer”), on February 16, 2026 Fibra Prologis incorporated a payment trust to which it contributed the necessary cash so that the holders of Terrafina’s CBFIs who have not attended the Tender Offer and have the intention to do so, may sell, for a period of six months, and at the same price as in the Tender Offer (i.e. MXN$42.5 pesos per CBFI), the Terrafina’s CBFIs that have not yet been acquired by Fibra Prologis.

The investing public is hereby informed that any additional information related to this process may be consulted through Terrafina’s official communication channels.

FIBRA PROLOGIS PROFILE

FIBRA Prologis is a leading owner and operator of Class A industrial real estate in Mexico. As of September 30, 2025, the company’s portfolio consisted of 515 investment properties totaling 87.0 million square feet (8.1 million square meters). This includes 348 logistics and manufacturing facilities located in the six primary industrial markets in Mexico, comprising 65.7 million square feet (6.1 million square meters) of Gross Leasable Area (GLA), as well as 167 buildings totaling 21.3 million square feet (2.0 million square meters) of non-strategic assets in other markets.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the industry and the markets in which FIBRA Prologis operates, as well as on management’s beliefs and assumptions. Such statements involve uncertainties that could materially affect FIBRA Prologis’ financial results. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” and variations of such words, as well as similar expressions, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. All statements that refer to operating performance, events or developments that are expected or anticipated to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we cannot assure that such expectations will be achieved. Accordingly, actual results and outcomes may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that may affect results include, among others: (i) national, international, regional and local economic conditions; (ii) changes in financial markets, interest rates and foreign exchange rates; (iii) increased (anticipated or unanticipated) competition for our properties; (iv) risks associated with property acquisitions, dispositions and development; (v) maintenance of our real estate investment trust (“FIBRA“) status and related tax structure; (vi) availability of financing and capital, debt levels and credit ratings; (vii) risks related to our investments; (viii) environmental uncertainties, including risks of natural disasters; and (ix) the additional factors described in the reports filed by FIBRA Prologis with the CNBV and the BMV under the section entitled “Risk Factors.” FIBRA Prologis undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release. Neither the CNBV nor any other authority has approved or disapproved the contents of this document or the accuracy, completeness or sufficiency of the information contained herein.

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SOURCE FIBRA Prologis

Space Prize Foundation Launches Education Equity Initiative Reaching Hundreds of Brownsville Students and Families

February 19, 2026

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Space Prize Foundation today announced a new education equity initiative designed to expand access to hands-on space and STEM learning for underserved students and families in Brownsville, Texas.

In partnership with the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) and the Children’s Museum of Brownsville (CMB), this initiative offers over 500 second-grade students and 42 families from BISD’s most economically disadvantaged schools the opportunity to participate in an immersive learning experience at the museum, including access to their signature SpaceX Boca Chica to Mars exhibit. The program was developed in close collaboration with BISD to ensure students who are least likely to access enrichment opportunities outside the classroom are prioritized.

The experience introduces students and caregivers to real-world space innovation taking place in the Rio Grande Valley, while reinforcing core STEM concepts through interactive play, imagination, and shared family learning.

“This partnership is about access,” said Roman Chiporukha, Founder of the Space Prize Foundation. “When students and families are given the opportunity to engage with science in a tangible, inspiring way, it changes how they see the future and their place in it. Our goal is to remove barriers and create moments that spark curiosity and possibility.”

In addition to museum access, participating educators will receive curriculum resources developed by the Space Prize Foundation to extend learning before and confirm it after the visit, helping connect classroom concepts with real-world exploration.

“At the Children’s Museum of Brownsville, we believe learning should be accessible to every child,” said Felipe Pena III, Executive Director of CMB. “This collaboration allows us to reach hundreds of students and families who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience informal STEM education in this way. It’s a powerful example of how community partnerships can expand opportunity at scale.”

BISD leadership emphasized the importance of initiatives that support whole-family engagement in education, particularly at the early elementary level, when curiosity and confidence are forming.

“By creating meaningful experiences outside the classroom, we help students build confidence, imagination, and a sense of belonging in science and technology,” said Dr. Jesus H. Chavez, BISD Superintendent. “This partnership supports our broader mission to ensure educational equity and opportunity for all students.”

Through this initiative, the Space Prize Foundation continues its mission to expand equitable access to space and STEM education, demonstrating how targeted, community-based programs can create meaningful impact for students, families, and future generations.

About the Space Prize Foundation

The Space Prize Foundation is a nonprofit committed to promoting universal space literacy and gender equity in STEAM to build a more hopeful, inclusive future for humanity. While the inaugural Space Prize Challenge was launched specifically for high school women in New York City, the foundation has achieved significant global scale. Following successful expansions into Paris and Portugal, the 2026 Space Prize Challenges have evolved to include both boys and girls, fostering a collaborative environment where all young innovators can thrive. The foundation has also created its Space Education Curriculum, the first open-source space curriculum, dedicated to preparing students for the growing space economy and humanity’s rapidly approaching multi-planet future.

About the Children’s Museum of Brownsville

The Children’s Museum of Brownsville serves more than 75,000 visitors annually, offering hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity. Through exhibits, programs, and access initiatives, the museum is committed to ensuring all children and families can learn and thrive.

About Brownsville Independent School District

Brownsville Independent School District (BISD), encompassing 95 square miles, is the largest employer in the Rio Grande Valley. Approximately 6,000 employees have accepted the challenge of serving a population of 36,140 students. BISD recognizes and addresses the unique cultural lifestyle of South Texas with a broad selection of academic activities and programs for all students.

Media Contact: Felipe Pena, [email protected]

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SOURCE Children’s Museum of Brownsville; Space Prize Foundation

Texas Realtors Announces 2025 Realtor of the Year

February 19, 2026

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Sarah Norman honored at 2026 Winter Meeting for state leaders

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Sarah Norman of the Bryan-College Station Regional Association of Realtors was named the 2025 Texas Realtor of the Year at the Texas Realtors Winter Meeting. Norman began her real estate career in 1977 and has made lasting positive impacts on the Realtor organization, the real estate industry, and the Bryan-College Station community through decades of service, leadership, and mentorship.

“Each year, the Texas Realtor of the Year award recognizes an individual who exemplifies integrity, dedication, and service to the profession and the public,” said Jennifer Wauhob, 2026 Chairman of Texas Realtors. “Sarah embodies those values every day, and her leadership, willingness to mentor others, and lifelong commitment to doing what is right have strengthened Realtors across Texas and made a meaningful difference in her community.”

After working at Texas A&M University, Norman chose to pursue a career in real estate, feeling a call to a profession where initiative and effort could directly shape outcomes. She began working for Bonnie Hoggard, where she spent five years learning the business before opening her own office, launching a career that has now spanned more than four decades.

Norman’s experience and leadership have been instrumental at every level of the Realtor organization. Over the years, she has served on numerous committees at the local, state, and national levels, including National Association of Realtors committees focused on professional standards and public policy. She is a former federal political coordinator and a proud member of the Texas Realtors Board of Directors. Norman was inducted into the RPAC Hall of Fame in 2023.

With this award, Norman adds to an already distinguished list of accomplishments. She is a former chairman of her local association, has been named Bryan-College Station Realtor of the Year twice, received the Spirit of TREPAC Award, and was honored with the Texas Realtors Distinguished Service Award in 2007. For more than 20 years, she has attended nearly every state and national Realtor conference and has taught countless classes across Texas and beyond, helping associations strengthen professional standards, mediation processes, and ombudsman programs.

“The Realtor profession has shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined,” said Norman. “Serving others and leaving things better than I found them has always guided my work. I am grateful for the relationships, the opportunities to mentor others, and the chance to give back to a profession that has given me so much.”

Norman’s service extends well beyond real estate. She has volunteered with the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, serves on a committee supporting community redevelopment, supported Kemp-Carver Elementary School, and has taught Sunday school for 25 years. A lifelong Bryan resident, Norman is passionate about ensuring the community’s continued vitality for future generations. She is married to George Norman, mother to three daughters, and grandmother to six grandchildren.

About Texas REALTORS®
With more than 145,000 members, Texas REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We are the advocate for REALTORS® and private property rights in Texas.

CONTACT
David Gibbs
Hahn Agency
[email protected]

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SOURCE Texas Realtors

Under Secretary Emil Michael to Headline 2026 eMerge Americas as Conference Unveils Programming Highlights

February 19, 2026

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Other featured speakers Jamie Siminoff, Founder of Ring; entrepreneur, college football analyst, and 6x NY Times best-selling author Tim Tebow, and more

MIAMI, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — eMerge Americas today announced that Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering at the Department of War, will headline the 12th annual eMerge Americas Conference + Expo, returning to the Miami Beach Convention Center from April 22–24, 2026.

Michael’s keynote marks a defining moment for eMerge Americas’ national security vertical, as the conference continues to expand its role as a global convening platform for defense leaders, policymakers, technologists, investors, and founders shaping the future of security and advanced technology.

In the featured keynote conversation, Under Secretary Michael will join Francis X. Suarez, former Mayor of Miami and President of eMerge Americas, for a strategic discussion on how the Department of War is accelerating artificial intelligence deployment at unprecedented speed, moving from pilot programs to enterprise-wide, mission-critical integration. The conversation will explore how the Department’s AI Acceleration Strategy is being executed across defense operations, including the Pentagon’s partnerships with frontier AI companies, the role of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) in providing funding vehicles for industry, and the six newly defined Critical Technology Areas that reflect the Department’s investment priorities for accelerating advanced capabilities to American servicemembers.

“Welcoming Under Secretary Emil Michael to eMerge Americas is both timely and consequential,” said Melissa Medina, Co-Founder and CEO of eMerge Americas. “As AI and emerging technologies redefine national security, this conversation highlights the scale of collaboration required between government and industry. eMerge Americas 2026 will unite global leaders across defense, healthcare, finance, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and venture, creating the cross-sector dialogue necessary to drive the next generation of transformative innovation.”

Now in its 12th year, eMerge Americas 2026 will be the largest edition in the conference’s history, expanding into an additional hall at the Miami Beach Convention Center and welcoming more than 20,000 attendees from over 60 countries.

New this year, eMerge will introduce a full pre-conference day dedicated to hands-on AI and quantum workshops, reflecting the rapid shift from experimentation to deployment across government and enterprise. The three-day conference will feature six dynamic stages covering AI + Deep Tech, National Security, HealthTech, FinTech, and more, alongside curated networking lounges, interactive exhibit areas, live pitches from the world’s leading startups, and multiple networking events, including the Opening Night Block Party taking place on Miami Beach’s iconic Lincoln Road.

In addition, eMerge Americas will host its 2nd National Security (NATSEC) Demo Day on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at PortMiami, where vetted innovators will demonstrate mission-ready, multi-domain technologies to more than 400 senior national security leaders, setting the stage for the eMerge Americas Conference + Expo (April 22–24) and reinforcing South Florida’s role as a national security innovation hub.

Additional featured speakers for eMerge Americas 2026 include:

Tim Tebow, Entrepreneur, College Football Analyst, and 6x New York Times Best-Selling Author
Jamie Siminoff, Founder of Ring
Dr. Alex Oshmyansky, Co-Founder & CEO, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company
COL. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.), First Female Thunderbird Pilot; Combat Veteran; Leadership Advisor
Ali Dasdan, Chief Technology Officer, Dropbox
Nicole Baer, Chief Marketing Officer, Carta
Adam Fletcher, Chief Security Officer, Blackstone
Manish Goyal, VP & Senior Partner, Global AI & Analytics Leader, IBM Consulting
Mariana Atencio, Award-Winning Journalist & Author; Founder, GoLike Media

A full and continually updated list of speakers and agenda topics is available at emergeamericas.com, with additional announcements to be released in the coming weeks. For images of the eMerge 2026 speakers, please view HERE.

Attendee registration is open with an array of package options, including VIP, Standard, Titan and more HERE. VIP pass holders will gain exclusive access to the VIP Lounge, including private meet-and-greets with Tim Tebow and other headline speakers. Government discounts are also available for federal, state, and local officials, government innovation employees, active-duty military, veterans, and first responders.

Media and content creators interested in attending 2026 eMerge Americas should apply HERE. Media-ready photos from 2025 eMerge Americas are HERE.

For more information about eMerge Americas including past conferences, programs, exhibitors and more, visit emergeamericas.com and follow online via Facebook, X and Instagram. For more press inquiries please contact Sam Pell at [email protected] or [email protected].

About eMerge Americas
eMerge Americas is a strategic convener and catalyst for innovation, bringing together global enterprises, startups, investors, and government leaders to accelerate advancements in AI, finance, health, and national security. Through year-round programming and its annual global tech conference + expo in Miami, eMerge Americas connects capital, talent, and ideas to drive impactful progress, strengthen industries, and bring transformative and emerging technologies to market. Since 2014, the global tech conference + expo has attracted 20,000+ attendees annually from over 50 countries and catalyzed billions in venture investment.

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SOURCE eMerge Americas

Brayton Purcell LLP Has Secured Almost $200 million for Artificial Stone Fabrication Workers as Attention Intensifies on the Silicosis Crisis in California and Across the Nation

February 18, 2026

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Brayton Purcell LLP secures nearly $200 million in verdicts and settlements for artificial stone countertop fabricators and advocates for the banning of crystalline silica artificial stone.

NOVATO, Calif., Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Brayton Purcell LLP announced today that the firm has secured almost $200 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of countertop fabrication workers diagnosed with accelerated silicosis caused by crystalline silica artificial stone used to make popular kitchen and bathroom countertops. These countertops are made from material that typically contains over 90 percent crystalline silica in very fine nano‑sized particles. The products also contain heavy metals, resins and glues which release toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when fabricated.

These recoveries include the historic $52.4 million verdict returned by a Southern California jury to Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, more than $26 million in confidential settlements obtained for another fabrication worker with artificial stone silicosis, along with large settlements for a few other workers. Together, they reflect the severe and irreversible harm caused by respirable crystalline silica and other toxins released during the cutting, grinding, and polishing of crystalline silica artificial stone.

Artificial stone silicosis continues to devastate workers and families across multiple states. Unlike traditional chronic silicosis contracted through mining, sandblasting and other hazardous professions, this modern form progresses rapidly, often appearing after only months or a few years of exposure. Workers affected by the disease face profound medical challenges, including extensive lung scarring, oxygen dependence, and, in the most severe cases, the need for lung transplantation. Many are relatively young, with careers and family responsibilities cut short by a preventable exposure hazard. The disease is incurable and fatal.

A Public Health Crisis Intensifying Across California

State surveillance programs continue to document rising numbers of confirmed artificial stone silicosis cases throughout California. Hundreds of workers have been diagnosed, many in their thirties and forties, and dozens have undergone lung transplantation due to permanent respiratory failure.

Reports show that over half of the 1,342 fabrication shops identified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have at least one confirmed case of silicosis. Many affected workers have spent years fabricating both natural stone and artificial stone, but illness developed only after crystalline silica artificial stone slabs were introduced into their workplaces for fabrication into the countertops we see throughout homes and commercial buildings today. This reflects the unique toxicity of the artificial stone material, which generates nano‑sized crystalline silica particles, metals, and other toxins that traditional safety controls cannot mitigate.

WOEMA Petition to Cal/OSHA Highlights Urgent Medical Concerns

In December 2025, the Western Occupational and Environmental Medicine Association (WOEMA), a respected medical association representing more than 600 occupational medicine physicians across multiple western states, submitted a petition to the Cal OSHA Standards Board urging immediate action regarding artificial stone.

The petition, presented on December 18, 2025, calls for a prohibition on artificial stone products containing more than one percent crystalline silica. WOEMA based its petition on extensive medical data showing that:

Artificial stone contains at least 90 percent crystalline silica in nano‑sized particle form
The remaining materials include VOCs and toxic additives that increase biological harm
Silicosis cases have been confirmed at an alarming rate, including workers as young as 24
Disease progression is significantly faster than historical patterns
Traditional engineering controls, including wet cutting, ventilation, and personal protective equipment (PPE), have not succeeded in reducing exposure to safe levels

Physicians emphasized that artificial stone silicosis continues to emerge even in shops that employ multiple layers of dust suppression in compliance with the CAL-OSHA standards, underscoring that the hazard is intrinsic to the material itself.

National Attention: Congressional Debate Over H.R. 5437

On January 14, 2026, the House Judiciary Subcommittee convened a hearing on the proposed legislation known as H.R. 5437 — the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act. This bailout bill would provide sweeping immunity to manufacturers and distributors of crystalline silica artificial stone slabs from state and federal civil claims related to injuries or illnesses caused by their products.

At the hearing, medical experts, worker advocates, and public health professionals raised substantial concerns, noting:

Artificial stone contains extremely high concentrations of crystalline silica, far exceeding natural stone
Cutting and polishing the material releases nano‑sized particles that overwhelm standard safety controls
Artificial stone silicosis has affected hundreds of workers across California alone
More than half of countertop fabrication shops in the state have reported confirmed cases of silicosis
Artificial stone cannot be fabricated safely by human beings
Eliminating accountability could further endanger workers by preventing families from seeking compensation or justice and removing the pressure for manufacturers to stop selling the uniquely toxic product.

Economic, medical, and ethical considerations were discussed at length, with stakeholders emphasizing that no existing engineering controls can reliably prevent respirable crystalline silica exposure during artificial stone fabrication.

A Continuing Commitment to Workers and Families

Brayton Purcell LLP represents more than 700 artificial stone workers and their families. Many clients face lifelong medical care needs, inability to continue working, and significant financial strain due to their illness. The firm continues to support workers seeking answers and pursuing justice for the harm caused by this material.

“Our legal team remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that workers affected by artificial stone silicosis have the opportunity to pursue accountability,” said partner James Nevin, who manages the firm’s artificial stone litigation practice. “The impact on these workers and their families is profound, and their voices deserve to be heard.”

The firm continues to pursue cases across the country, reflecting the widespread and continuing emergence of this occupational health crisis. We assertively advocate for the banning of crystalline silica artificial stone in our efforts to protect workers from artificial stone silicosis–an incurable and entirely preventable disease. Australia’s ban of the product in 2024 demonstrates that switching to safer products would not result in job loss and would not impose significant economic burdens on suppliers, fabricators, or customers, since existing dust control methods would remain applicable and the U.S. market could quickly switch to safer products.

About Brayton Purcell LLP

Brayton Purcell LLP is a nationally recognized law firm with decades of experience representing individuals and families affected by occupational disease, including silicosis. The firm remains committed to providing outstanding legal representation to workers harmed by exposure to toxic substances.

Media Contact:
Nolan Lowry
[email protected]
415-399-3107

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SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

Berman Tabacco Announces a Class Action Settlement If You Used Your VISA or Mastercard Debit Card OR VISA, Mastercard, or Discover non-rewards Credit Card To Make a Purchase from 2015-2022

February 18, 2026

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SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ —

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

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

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

You could get money from a $17.5 million settlement.

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

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

Who is included in the Settlement?

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

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

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

What does the Settlement provide?

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

Who can get a payment from the Settlement?

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

How can I get a payment?

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

What are your options?

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

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

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

SOURCE Berman Tabacco

New BofA Rewards™ Program to Reach Millions More Clients with Expanded Benefits

February 18, 2026

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

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