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KIA AMERICA SETS ALL-TIME MONTHLY SALES RECORD

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KIA AMERICA SETS ALL-TIME MONTHLY SALES RECORD

KIA AMERICA SETS ALL-TIME MONTHLY SALES RECORD

PR Newswire

  • Sold 83,793 units in August, breaking the all-time monthly sales record – a 1 percent increase year-over-year
  • Achieved record-high cumulative sales of 590,377 units and retail sales of 543,085 units for the January – August period – both up 3 percent year-over-year
  • Six key models – Telluride, Seltos, Sportage, Carnival, K5 and K4 – achieved their best-ever August sales figures
  • Sales of hybrid models surged 99 percent and total electrified models rose 36 percent year-over-year, marking record-high August results for these categories

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia America sold 83,793 units in August, marking a 1 percent year-over-year increase and setting a new all-time monthly sales record. August retail sales totaled 77,984 units, setting a new record for the month of August. For the January – August period, cumulative sales reached 590,377 units, while retail sales through Kia dealers totaled 543,085 units; both figures represent a 3 percent year-over-year increase and all-time highs. Sales of hybrid and total electrified models also drove growth during this period, rising 111 percent and 60 percent year-over-year, respectively. 

KIA AMERICA SETS ALL-TIME MONTHLY SALES RECORD

Six of Kia’s key nameplates set new August sales records, including Seltos (+53 percent); Carnival (+13 percent); K4 (+7 percent); Telluride (+4 percent); Sportage (+4 percent) and K5 (+4 percent). Kia’s hybrid models also posted record August performances, led by Sportage Hybrid (+40 percent); Sorento Hybrid (+22 percent); and Carnival Hybrid (+15 percent); and. In addition, sales of Kia’s hybrid lineup increased 99 percent, and the broader electrified lineup increased 36 percent over August 2025, further contributing to the brand’s record-breaking performance.

“The broad appeal of our products and the breadth of our powertrain offerings directly contributed to the high demand for our models and Kia’s record-breaking sales performance,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “The all-new 2027 Seltos is quickly gaining traction with consumers and Telluride continues to exceed expectations. When the recently launched EV3, an affordable all-electric SUV option for customers entering the EV market, is added to the mix Kia is well positioned to maintain the record-breaking sales momentum through the end of the year and ultimately achieve our fourth consecutive annual sales record.”

In addition to the monthly sales performance, Kia America also made additional announcements, including: 

  • Kia announced pricing for the all-new 2027 EV3. Starting at $29,8901 MSRP (plus $1,495 destination), EV3 is the most affordable EV in Kia’s lineup and is designed to expand electric vehicle adoption by delivering EV9-inspired design, advanced technology, and everyday practicality in a small SUV package. Offering up to EPA-estimated2 321 miles of all-electric range (Wind FWD and Land FWD trims), DC fast-charging capability, and a straightforward progression from well-packaged Light trim to the spirited GT. An available dual-motor AWD setup, a 288-horsepower GT model, and optional premium features further broaden the EV3’s appeal across a range of customer needs.
  • The gas-powered version of the 2027 Sportage will start at $28,9903. Although most of the internal combustion engine (ICE) model range remains carryover, the X-Line trim will now be equipped with standard Panoramic Sunroof and Smart Power Liftgate, as found in the 2026 X-Line Premium Package. These changes align Sportage X-Line ICE with Sportage Hybrid (HEV) and Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models in terms of their standard offerings, allowing customers to choose with greater ease between powertrains based on their driving needs. The enhancements further strengthen the appeal of the Sportage family.
  • Pricing for the refreshed 2027 Niro, which sharpens its hybrid crossover formula with a bolder design, expanded technology and newly available driver assistance features will start at $29,8904 Offered exclusively as a hybrid, the 2027 Niro lineup also welcomes a new S trim alongside the LX, EX, and SX models. Highlights for the new model year include redesigned front and rear fascias with Kia’s signature Star Map lighting elements, new exterior colors and an updated cabin. Available Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) brings over-the-air update5 capability, while newly available driver assistance technologies6 include Highway Driving Assist 27, 360-degree Surround View Monitor8 and Blind-Spot View Monitor9.

MONTH OF AUGUST

AUGUST YEAR-TO-DATE

Model

2026

2025

2026

2025

EV9

1,789

2,679

10,474

9,354

EV6

712

1,796

5,429

8,961

EV3

6

0

6

0

K4/Forte

12,881

12,091

98,554

98,814

K5

7,523

6,847

52,611

47,291

Soul

0

5,548

3,480

36,339

Niro

2,983

3,124

18,472

17,663

Seltos

9,214

5,574

50,525

35,430

Sportage

18,723

18,023

129,713

119,587

Sorento

9,880

8,626

68,266

67,510

Telluride

12,693

12,177

98,111

84,090

Carnival

7,389

6,522

54,736

45,602

Total

83,793

83,007

590,377

570,641

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2026. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several SUVs proudly assembled in America*. 

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert 

* The 2026 and 2027 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excluding PHEV model), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

_____________________________________

1 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

2 Based on combined (city/highway) EPA estimates on a full battery charge. Actual range will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, charging practice, battery age, weather, temperature and your vehicle’s condition. Battery capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information on range, please see www.fueleconomy.gov.

3 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

4 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

5 Over-the-Air features and updates may require an additional cost and may vary by model, model year, and trim level. Features, specifications, and fees are subject to change. Kia Connect subscription is required and Kia Connect terms and conditions apply.

6 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are not substitutes for safe driving, and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

7 When engaged, Highway Driving Assist is not a substitute for safe driving, may not detect all objects surrounding the vehicle, and only functions on certain federal highways. Always drive safely and use caution

8 When engaged, Surround View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution

9 When engaged, Blind-Spot View Monitor is not a substitute for safe driving and may not display all objects around vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

 

SOURCE Kia America

IdentityIQ Expands Access to Identity Protection and Financial Wellness Tools with New Spanish-Language Experience

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IdentityIQ Expands Access to Identity Protection and Financial Wellness Tools with New Spanish-Language Experience

PR Newswire

New Spanish-language version brings identity protection, credit monitoring and financial health resources to more than 41 million Spanish-dominant speakers in the U.S.

TEMECULA, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — IdentityIQ, a leading provider of identity theft protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions, today announced the launch of new plans now in Spanish, expanding access to comprehensive identity and credit protection to more than 41 million Spanish-dominant speakers in the United States.

The new Spanish-language experience gives consumers the ability to enroll, access their member dashboard and manage their financial health entirely in Spanish. The launch also supports B2B partners serving Spanish-speaking customers with a localized partner experience.

“Financial protection shouldn’t depend on language,” said Rick Eggleton, chief revenue officer for IDIQ, which operates the IdentityIQ brand. “Our Spanish-language offering gives millions of consumers greater access to the tools they need to protect their identity, credit and financial health.”

The Spanish-language plans include IdentityIQ’s most comprehensive suite of identity protection and financial wellness tools, including credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, identity theft alerts, credit score tracking, optional rent and utility payment reporting, credit education and other financial health resources.

The launch addresses a significant gap in the financial services marketplace, where language barriers can limit access to tools that help consumers monitor their credit, detect potential identity theft and build stronger financial profiles.

“This is more than translating a product,” Eggleton said. “It’s about making identity protection and financial wellness easier to understand, easier to access and more relevant to Spanish-speaking consumers.”

The launch reflects IdentityIQ’s broader commitment to making identity protection and financial wellness more accessible to underserved communities. By offering its core services in Spanish, IdentityIQ is helping remove language barriers that can make it more difficult for consumers to understand and actively manage their credit and financial health.

The Spanish-language launch also expands opportunities for IdentityIQ’s B2B partners to provide identity protection and financial wellness benefits to Spanish-speaking customers and employees.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to understand and take control of their financial wellness,” Eggleton said. “Expanding our premium plan in Spanish is an important step toward making that possible for millions of consumers.”

For more information on IdentityIQ’s Spanish-language plans and its comprehensive identity protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions, visit https://www.identityiq.com.

About IdentityIQ

IdentityIQ®, offered by IDIQ®, is a leading provider of identity theft protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions. IdentityIQ helps consumers monitor and protect their identities, credit and personal information through comprehensive monitoring, alerts and recovery support services.

SOURCE IDIQ

Time is Running Out to Submit a Claim in the Asbestos Corporation Limited insolvency proceedings

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Time is Running Out to Submit a Claim in the Asbestos Corporation Limited insolvency proceedings

PR Newswire

The deadline is September 10, 2026.

NEW YORK, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following statement is being issued by Kroll Restructuring Administration and Raymond Chabot Inc. regarding the Asbestos Corporation Limited insolvency proceedings.

With less than one month remaining before the September 10, 2026 Claims Bar Date, anyone with an asbestos-related claim against ACL, including heirs and representatives of deceased individuals exposed to asbestos mined by ACL, must file a Proof of Claim. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation from ACL and certain related parties, including General Dynamics Corporation and its affiliates.

This deadline also covers other non-asbestos-related claims against ACL and/or its directors and officers.

Anyone who believes they may have a claim is encouraged to review their eligibility and submit the required documentation as soon as possible.

HOW TO FILE A PROOF OF CLAIM?

Proof of Claims must be submitted as follows:

  • Online (only for Existing Asbestos Claims): ACLClaims.com
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Call: 877-788-0179
  • Fax: 800-711-1070
  • Mail in Canada: 

    Raymond Chabot Inc.
    Attention: Asbestos Corporation Limited
    National Bank Tower
    600 De La Gauchetière Street West, Suite 2000
    Montréal, Québec H3B 4L8

  • Mail in U.S.:

    Grant Thornton NYC
    Attention: Asbestos Corporation Limited
    757 Third Ave., 9th Floor
    New York, NY 10017

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

For more information concerning ACL’s insolvency, Frequently Asked Questions, Proof of Claim form, examples of personal injury and other claims that can be filed, instructions on how to file a claim, and important documents including the Bar Date Notice, visit the Monitor’s Claims Bar Date Website at ACLClaims.com or call 1-877-788-0179

SOURCE Kroll Restructuring Administration LLC

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Puts Bicycle, E-Bike and Scooter Safety in Focus During Rail Safety Month

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During Rail Safety Month this September, Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® is highlighting safety for bicyclists, e-bike riders and scooter riders around railroad tracks, crossings and station platforms

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Puts Bicycle, E-Bike and Scooter Safety in Focus During Rail Safety Month

PR Newswire

Pacific Surfliner and California Operation Lifesaver use community art and local outreach to share timely safety guidance with Southern California riders

ORANGE, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As bicycles, e-bikes and scooters become increasingly popular ways to reach train stations and travel through Southern California communities, but potentially one that comes with a greater safety risk, Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® is putting micromobility at the center of its Rail Safety Month campaign this September.

During Rail Safety Month this September, Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® is highlighting safety for bicyclists, e-bike riders and scooter riders around railroad tracks, crossings and station platforms

Bicyclists, e-bike riders and scooter riders face distinct hazards around railroad tracks, crossings and station platforms. Wheels can become caught in tracks, riders may misjudge the speed or distance of an approaching train and distractions can make warning signals easier to miss. Pacific Surfliner’s new community art campaign will place practical safety reminders directly in stations and communities along the corridor, helping riders recognize these hazards and make safer decisions around the tracks.

WHY NOW:

  • The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that e-bikes were associated with 155,200 emergency department visits and 310 reported fatalities nationwide between 2017 and 2024. Approximately 59,200 of those emergency department visits occurred in 2024.
  • E-scooters were associated with approximately 380,000 emergency department visits nationwide between 2017 and 2024, according to the same federal data.
  • At Rady Children’s Health Orange County, e-bike-related trauma visits increased from one patient in 2021 to 201 patients in 2025, becoming the leading cause of emergency department trauma visits at the hospital.
  • Just this year, several communities along the LOSSAN Corridor have publicly recognized the safety hazards posed by e-bikes and e-scooters, with school districts and local law enforcement creating new regulations in hopes of curbing dangers and safety hazards.

Observed throughout California each September, Rail Safety Month brings together rail operators, public agencies, law enforcement and community partners to help people travel more safely and confidently around railroad tracks. From knowing where to cross to understanding signals and staying aware of one’s surroundings, a few simple habits can help make every trip safer.

The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency, which manages the Pacific Surfliner service, is partnering with California Operation Lifesaver (CAOL) and Southern California artist Fnu Clarissa of @sandiegopartybanner to turn that guidance into original artwork for stations and the communities they serve.

Beginning September 1, the artist-designed poster series will be displayed at San Diego Santa Fe Depot, Irvine Station, Los Angeles Union Station, Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center and Santa Barbara Station. Each installation will pair a clear safety reminder with a QR code connecting the public to rail safety resources, a safety pledge and the opportunity to enter to win a $100 Amtrak gift card.

“As more people across Southern California choose e-bikes, scooters and bicycles to reach our stations, it is important they understand how to navigate railroad tracks and platforms safely,” said LOSSAN Managing Director Jason Jewell. “Together with our partners, we are turning proven safety guidance into memorable messages that remind passengers to take safety seriously.”

Bicyclists, e-bike riders and scooter riders can help create a safer rail environment by following these practices:

  • Cross tracks only at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings.
  • Slow down when approaching a crossing and look in both directions.
  • Follow all posted signs, signals, flashing lights and crossing gates.
  • Look for the blue-and-white Emergency Notification System sign posted at railroad crossings.
  • If you, another person or an object becomes stuck on the tracks, call the emergency number on the sign to alert authorities and help stop train traffic.
  • Dismount from bicycles, e-bikes and scooters before crossing tracks.
  • Walk bicycles, e-bikes and scooters across tracks at a 90-degree angle to prevent wheels from becoming caught in the rails.
  • Never ride around or under lowered crossing gates.
  • Wait until gates are fully raised and warning lights have stopped flashing before proceeding.
  • Keep headphones, phones and other distractions put away when approaching or crossing tracks.
  • Make sure there is enough room on the other side to clear the tracks completely.
  • Dismount before entering a station and walk wheeled devices on platforms.
  • Remain behind the marked safety line while waiting on a platform.
  • Use handholds and watch your step when boarding or exiting a train.

Pacific Surfliner is also teaming up with California Operation Lifesaver to host an Operation Clear Track event on September 23 in Santa Ana near identified trespassing hot spots. Conducted in partnership and coordination with local law enforcement and community partners, the event will bring rail safety education directly to areas where unsafe activity near the tracks has been observed.

To view the artwork, take the safety pledge and enter the giveaway, visit PacificSurfliner.com/Pledge. No purchase is necessary; terms and conditions apply.

For more information on Rail Safety Month:
Pacific Surfliner: https://www.pacificsurfliner.com/rail-safety/
California Operation Lifesaver:
https://caoperationlifesaver.com/rail-safety-month/

###

About the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
The Pacific Surfliner travels along a 351-mile coastal rail route through San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, serving 29 stations. It is the busiest state-supported intercity passenger rail route in the United States. To learn more and plan a trip, visit PacificSurfliner.com.

About the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency
The Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency is a joint powers authority overseeing management of the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service. Comprised of rail owners, operators and planning agencies along the 351-mile LOSSAN rail corridor, the agency works to improve passenger rail ridership, revenue, on-time performance, operational flexibility and safety throughout its service area. The Orange County Transportation Authority provides administrative support to the LOSSAN Agency and its board. For more information, visit LOSSAN.org.

About California Operation Lifesaver
California Operation Lifesaver is an independent nonprofit safety education and awareness program dedicated to ending collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad rights of way throughout California.

LOSSAN AGENCY

SOURCE Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner

The Home Depot to Present at the Goldman Sachs Global Consumer and Retail Conference

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The Home Depot logo. (PRNewsFoto/The Home Depot) (PRNewsFoto/)

The Home Depot to Present at the Goldman Sachs Global Consumer and Retail Conference

PR Newswire

ATLANTA, Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today announced that Richard McPhail, executive vice president and CFO, and Billy Bastek, executive vice president of merchandising, will present at the Goldman Sachs Global Consumer and Retail Conference. The presentation will begin at 10:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The Home Depot logo. (PRNewsFoto/The Home Depot) (PRNewsFoto/)

The presentation will be webcast live at http://ir.homedepot.com/events-and-presentations. A link will be displayed under “Events and Presentations.” The webcast will be archived and available at the same location approximately one hour after conclusion of the live event.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2026, the company operated a total of 2,364 retail stores and over 1,340 SRS locations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The Company employs over 470,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

SOURCE The Home Depot

Logan Bus Launches AI-Powered Phone System to Keep NYC Parents Informed in Real Time

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Logan Bus Company Inc.

Logan Bus Launches AI-Powered Phone System to Keep NYC Parents Informed in Real Time

PR Newswire

Logan Bus Company brings Cisco-built AI technology to its customer service line, giving NYC families faster answers and greater access to live support.

NEW YORK, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Logan Bus Company Inc., the largest privately owned school bus provider for the New York City Department of Education, today announced the launch of a new AI-powered phone system built on Cisco technology. This phone system will give the parents of the 20% of NYC school children who ride Logan Bus faster answers to the questions they ask most: where is the bus, why is it running late, and when will it arrive.

Logan Bus Company Inc.

While the New York City Department of Education assigns the specific bus routes, Logan Bus believes this new technology will help parents understand the daily bumps in the commute that can cause delays and concerns, such as traffic, weather delays, accidents, and road closures. Logan Bus transports approximately 30,000 general education students daily. The system is designed to help Logan Bus handle this capacity, making the company more responsive to parents queries and is part of the company’s commitment to providing good service and good communications to the families it serves.

The phone system securely links a student’s bus route to the parent’s caller ID, so families will be able to easily find a bus’s location without having to go through a series of phone prompts. The system’s AI assistants will get that information by tapping directly into Logan Bus’s GPS tracking, delivering fast answers with minimal wait time. Parents wanting to speak with a live agent, who also has the child’s route on file, can do so with the push of a button.

The new phone system works in conjunction with the NYC School Bus App, a citywide GPS tracking tool developed by the Department of Education in partnership with Via. Logan Bus actively encourages parents to download the app in addition to using the new phone line. All Logan Bus drivers are continually logged into the system, so their buses can be tracked in real time.

“We’re excited to roll this out in September and we’re pleased with the feedback we received during the summer pilot program. Looking ahead, the next phase of this project will give our AI phone system a direct API connection to VIA. That means we won’t just be able to scrub the Bus Delay System, but our phone system’s AI assistant will also have real-time visibility into VIA’s GPS data, allowing it to give parents an even more precise answer to their inquiries,” says Michael Tornabe, Chief Operating Officer and Owner of Logan Bus Company.

In this upcoming school year, Logan Bus wants one thing to be certain in an otherwise unpredictable morning: parents will always know where their child’s bus is, and someone will always be ready to answer.

**About Logan Bus Company Inc.**

Logan Bus Company Inc. is the largest privately owned school bus company in New York State. Family owned and operated for more than thirty years, Logan has earned its reputation as one of the finest school bus carriers in the New York metropolitan area, transporting 30,000 general education students to and from school each day. Headquartered in Ozone Park, Queens, with facilities across Brooklyn, the Bronx and Nassau County, Logan employs more than 3,500 people, including drivers and escorts trained to the highest industry standards. The company’s work is guided by three founding core values: Safety, Quality, Dependability, and a mission to provide the best school bus transportation in the New York City area.

Learn more at https://www.loganbus.com/ai-powered-phone-agent  

Lisa Mirabile
Logan Bus Company Inc.
[email protected] 

SOURCE Logan Bus Company Inc.

Potts Law Firm Files Lawsuit Against FedEx Due to Sleeping Driver

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The Potts Law Firm logo

Potts Law Firm Files Lawsuit Against FedEx Due to Sleeping Driver

PR Newswire

Driver Admitted He Fell Asleep, Causing a Collision Resulting In Catastrophic Injuries

HOUSTON, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Potts Law Firm has filed a lawsuit against FedEx and one of its drivers following a rear-end collision that resulted in catastrophic injuries for the firm’s client.

The Potts Law Firm logo

According to the lawsuit, the crash occurred on November 13, 2025, when a driver operating a FedEx truck allegedly failed to control his speed and struck the rear of the plaintiff’s vehicle on highway 249 in Harris County, Texas. According to the official police report of the collision, the FedEx driver allegedly told police officers at the scene that he was tired and had fallen asleep for a moment before the impact.

The lawsuit alleges that the collision caused the plaintiff to suffer serious and disabling injuries requiring significant medical care and treatment.

“Companies that put drivers on the road have a responsibility to prioritize public safety and ensure their vehicles are being operated by drivers who are not suffering from fatigue,” said Derek Potts, National Managing Partner of Potts Law Firm. “A moment behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences when a driver has driven too many hours.”

The case is titled James Kirksey v. Kamren Jonnie Provost and Federal Express Corporation D/B/A FedEx Express, Case No. 2026-62522, filed in the 215th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas.

About Potts Law Firm
Potts Law Firm represents individuals and families in personal injury and wrongful death matters throughout Texas and nationwide. The firm handles cases involving commercial vehicle and trucking crashes, workplace injuries, catastrophic injuries, defective products, premises liability, and other serious injury claims.

Media Contact: 
Megan Hundertmark
2816999521
[email protected]

SOURCE Potts Law Firm

Yale School of Medicine Awarded a Nearly $25 Million Grant to Map the Developing Brain and Advance Autism Research

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Yale School of Medicine Logo

Yale School of Medicine Awarded a Nearly $25 Million Grant to Map the Developing Brain and Advance Autism Research

PR Newswire

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Yale School of Medicine (YSM) has been awarded a grant of nearly $25 million by the Aligning Research to Impact Autism (ARIA) initiative. The award, which is part of ARIA’s Human Developmental Neurobiology Research Hub, focuses on building foundational maps and models of the developing human brain and clarifying how and when autism diverges from typical development.

Yale School of Medicine Logo

“We are very grateful to ARIA for their investment in Yale,” says Nancy J. Brown, MD, the Jean and David W. Wallace Dean of Yale School of Medicine. “Their philanthropy is advancing a new era of autism research, which we hope will lead to an understanding of its earliest beginning in the developing brain. The impact of their grant will extend well beyond Yale School of Medicine, creating knowledge that can guide earlier detection, clearer biomarkers, and more precise interventions for individuals with autism and their families.”  

Co-led by Nenad Sestan, MD, PhD, Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor of Neuroscience, and professor of comparative medicine, of genetics, and of psychiatry at YSM, and Paola Arlotta, PhD, the Golub Family Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University, this grant is designed to meet the scientific challenge at its origin point—early brain development—by building the foundational models needed to detect, interpret, and address developmental differences.

“My colleagues and I are profoundly grateful for ARIA’s visionary support,” says Sestan. “This award enables us to advance our research into the development of the human brain’s neural circuits. By bringing together experts across disciplines and institutions, we aim to better understand how brain development unfolds and how autism emerges. Ultimately, we hope this work accelerates discovery, improves early detection, and informs more effective interventions.”

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior, and often includes differences in learning, attention, sensory processing, sleep, or motor skills. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 31 children in the United States has autism. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 in 100 children worldwide is affected.

A scientific “moonshot” for early brain development

Despite decades of neuroscience progress, researchers lack a high-resolution, time-lapse “map” of the developing human brain. “We have detailed maps of our planet, yet our map of the brain, especially the developing brain, remains incomplete,” says Sestan.

The brain’s earliest developmental stages are difficult to study directly because brain maturation unfolds over nearly two decades and research access to developing human tissue is limited. At the same time, the period when autism-related differences first manifest is also the period when the brain is most rapidly changing. Many neurons and most synaptic circuits form in the first years of life, meaning adult brain models cannot simply be scaled down to understand an infant or toddler.

Without a precise developmental reference, scientists strive to pinpoint mechanisms, identify early-life deviations, or design interventions that reflect the biology of a particular person at a particular time. Building on Yale’s growing ARIA-supported work, this grant will enable a coordinated approach by integrating experiments, imaging, computation, and clinical partnerships to build that reference and translate it into discovery.

ARIA’s investment in YSM supports two projects designed to deliver concrete tools and resources, including:

  • A high-resolution map of the developing brain’s wiring
  • A cellular and molecular model of where autism diverges from typical development

These projects are part of a broader four-project collaboration with Harvard University, which also includes:

  • Patient-derived brain organoids to connect genetics, development, and clinical features
  • Generative AI to predict interventions and prioritize therapeutic targets

Learn more at medicine.yale.edu.

About Yale School of Medicine

Yale School of Medicine educates leaders in medicine and science, fostering curiosity and critical inquiry. It is a global leader in biomedical research, clinical care, and medical education. With over 1,700 physicians, Yale provides compassionate care to patients worldwide. The Yale System of Medical Education emphasizes critical thinking and independent research, producing leaders in academic medicine.

SOURCE Yale School of Medicine

Beef Loving Texans Launches Free 30-Day Challenge to Help Families Build Better Breakfast Habits

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Beef Loving Texans Logo

Beef Loving Texans Launches Free 30-Day Challenge to Help Families Build Better Breakfast Habits

PR Newswire

The initiative gives parents practical tools, recipes and interactive support to make breakfast easier, more flexible and more consistent for busy families

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Children who eat breakfast tend to have higher math scores, fewer absences and better on-time attendance at school.1 To help more Texas families make breakfast a consistent part of their morning routine, Beef Loving Texans announced the launch of its free 30-Day Breakfast Challenge, designed for parents of children and teens.

Beef Loving Texans Logo

The challenge launches as families settle back into school-year routines and juggle early mornings, school schedules and extracurricular activities. Designed for real-life mornings, the program focuses on small, manageable changes rather than expecting families to overhaul their routines overnight.

Over 30 days, families receive interactive text support, four weekly challenges, family-friendly recipes and practical meal-planning resources. Tips address common barriers like limited time, picky eaters and simply running out of ideas, while helping parents plan ahead and involve kids in choosing and preparing breakfast.

“Busy mornings are a reality for families, but breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Rachel Chou, Director of Consumer Marketing for Beef Loving Texans. “The Breakfast Challenge is about helping parents find small, realistic tweaks that work for their families and can become routines that last beyond 30 days.”

The challenge also encourages families to think beyond traditional breakfast foods and use what they already have on hand. Leftover brisket, ground beef or steak, for example, can become breakfast tacos, hashes, wraps and bowls the next morning, helping families save time, reduce food waste and get more from meals they’re already preparing.

Registered dietitians and pediatricians can also share the Breakfast Challenge as a practical resource with the families they support, helping reinforce consistent breakfast habits at home.

The 30-Day Breakfast Challenge is free and available to families across Texas. Parents can register at BeefLovingTexans.com/BreakfastChallenge to access 30 days of breakfast inspiration, interactive support and practical resources.

1 Murphy, J. M., Pagano, M. E., Nachmani, J., Sperling, P., Kane, S., & Kleinman, R. E. (1998). “The Relationship of School Breakfast to Psychosocial and Academic Functioning: Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Observations in an Inner-city School Sample.” Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 152(9), 899–907. doi:10.1001/archpedi.152.9.899.

About Beef Loving Texans
Beef Loving Texans is the consumer-facing brand of the Texas Beef Council and a community built to celebrate the endless flavors, stories and experiences that make beef a Texas tradition. Through recipes, cooking inspiration and expert resources, Beef Loving Texans helps Texans discover new ways to savor every meal and create meaningful moments around the table. Learn more at BeefLovingTexans.com.

About Texas Beef Council
The Texas Beef Council (TBC) is a non-profit organization funded by Texas farmers and ranchers through the national Beef Checkoff program and the Texas state Beef Checkoff program. Checkoff dollars are used to increase domestic and/or international demand for beef through programs of promotion, research and education. The organization is directed by a 20-member board of cattlemen, representing the state’s 149,000 beef farmers and ranchers.

SOURCE Texas Beef Council

Potts Law Firm Files Lawsuit Following Drowning Death of Toddler at Austin Apartment Complex

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Potts Law Firm Files Lawsuit Following Drowning Death of Toddler at Austin Apartment Complex

PR Newswire

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Attorney Jesse Guerra with the Potts Law Firm has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the family of a 2-year-old child who tragically drowned on Saturday, August 15, 2026 in an apartment complex swimming pool in Austin, Texas.

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According to the allegations in the lawsuit, the toddler drowned in an apartment complex swimming pool where the water was allegedly cloudy and there were allegedly no working lights in or around the pool area. The lawsuit alleges that these unsafe conditions created serious safety concerns, including reduced visibility in and around the water, which make it more difficult to identify a child in distress.

The lawsuit seeks accountability for the circumstances surrounding the child’s death while also serving as a broader call to action for apartment owners, property managers, and swimming pool operators to take pool safety seriously.

Potts Law Firm hopes this lawsuit will encourage property owners and pool operators to examine their own facilities and take immediate action when a pool cannot be safely maintained. The firm is also urging owners and operators to regularly inspect their pools, promptly address potentially dangerous conditions, ensure qualified and properly trained personnel are responsible for pool maintenance and safety, and restrict access when conditions may present a safety risk to residents and their guests.

“If a pool cannot be kept safe, it should not remain open,” said Jesse Guerra, an attorney with Potts Law Firm who focuses on swimming pool safety and drowning cases. “This case is about seeking justice for this family, but it is also about pool safety awareness. We want every apartment owner, property manager, and pool operator to understand how serious their responsibility is. Taking action before a tragedy occurs can save a life.”

This case is titled Matthew Kliefoth and Stephanie Slupe, Individually and on Behalf of the Wrongful Death and the Estate of L.K. (Minor) v. Apartment Management Professionals, Ltd., d/b/a AMP, Abel Ruiz, and A Plus Paint & Construction, LLC, Case No. D-1-GN-26-007910 to be heard in the Travis County District Court.

About Potts Law Firm
Potts Law Firm is a national law firm representing individuals and families in serious personal injury, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury matters. The firm also handles swimming pool drowning and pool safety cases with attorney Jesse E. Guerra Jr., who has extensive experience representing families affected by drowning and other serious aquatic incidents. Through its pool safety practice, Potts Law Firm investigates incidents involving apartment complexes, residential and commercial pools, inadequate safety measures, negligent maintenance, and other potentially dangerous pool conditions. The firm is committed to seeking accountability for families while advocating for greater awareness of preventable pool-related injuries and deaths.

Media Contact: 
Megan Hundertmark
2816999521
[email protected]

SOURCE Potts Law Firm