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Los Defensores and the Jaime & Blanca Jarrín Foundation Open 2026 Scholarships for Latino Students in Law and Journalism

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Through its Siempre Contigo community initiative, Los Defensores deepens its commitment to underserved Latino students across Southern California — part of nearly $200,000 in scholarships awarded since 2019.

LOS ANGELES, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Los Defensores, the trusted legal-access brand serving the Latino community across the United States, today announced the opening of its 2026 Scholarship Application Program in partnership with the Jaime & Blanca Jarrín Foundation (JBJF). Applications are open now through July 24, 2026, for California college students pursuing degrees in law and journalism. The program is part of Los Defensores’ Siempre Contigo community initiative, which has helped award close to $200,000 in scholarships to students from underserved communities since 2019.

This year’s theme, “The Power of Believing,” celebrates the transformative effect of being seen, supported, and believed in. Hearing someone say “I believe in you” — especially from a trusted mentor or guide — can be a turning point. It fuels resilience, awakens self-confidence, and affirms that a student’s dreams are worth pursuing. Rooted in cultural pride and personal perseverance, the theme resonates with the journey of students from underserved communities, who often carry the weight of generational sacrifice while striving to find their voice, their place, and their path forward.

As the Foundation’s founding fiscal corporate partner, Los Defensores leads this effort as an active investor in the next generation of Latino leaders. The brand’s support extends beyond legal access to direct, community-rooted action — helping close educational gaps and championing future attorneys and journalists, fields where Latino stories, perspectives, and voices are sorely needed. Together with JBJF, Los Defensores is working to ensure that financial barriers never stand between a talented student and their potential.

“At Los Defensores, we know that behind every dream there is a community willing to fight for it,” said Ariela Nerubay, Chief Brand Officer at Los Defensores. “The Power of Believing is not just a message — it’s our commitment. When a student faces doubt, financial barriers, or the pressure of being the first in their family to pursue higher education, we want them to know that we see them, we stand with them, and we believe in their potential. Supporting scholarships is one of the most powerful ways we live our brand — because true strength comes from lifting others and reminding them that with the right support, anything is possible.”

The Jaime & Blanca Jarrín Foundation was founded to support the next generation of changemakers through meaningful scholarship opportunities for college students from underserved communities.

“When we invest in our youth’s education, we’re investing in stronger, more vibrant communities for us all,” said Jaime Jarrín, MLB Hall of Famer and former Los Angeles Dodgers Spanish-language broadcaster. “By offering meaningful financial support, we help protect students’ hard-earned dreams while reinforcing a powerful message: we believe in their potential to succeed, thrive, and lead.”

“Receiving the JBJF scholarship has been an incredible boost to my confidence and my future. There were people who doubted me — who said it was too hard, that I didn’t belong there. But I pushed through my first year at USC and proved them wrong. I want to give back to my community, and this scholarship brings me one step closer to that goal. I’m deeply grateful to Los Defensores and JBJF for investing in my journey,” stated Atilio Sagara, 2025 JBJF Scholarship Recipient, University of Southern California.

WHO CAN APPLY

To be eligible for a 2026 JBJF scholarship, applicants must:

Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higherDemonstrate financial needBe enrolled at a California-based schoolProvide basic contact details and the school(s) they attend or plan to attendProvide family and household informationComplete a brief questionnaire

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted from June 20 through July 24, 2026. To apply or request additional information, visit https://www.losdefensores.com/scholarship/.

ABOUT LOS DEFENSORES

Los Defensores is a distinguished brand committed to supporting the Latino community across the United States by connecting consumers with qualified attorneys. With a history dating back to 1984, Los Defensores leverages a network of more than 200 independent attorneys across practice areas including personal injury, workplace accidents, and employment law. Renowned for its accessibility, Los Defensores connects Latinos with attorneys who offer free initial consultations in Spanish. The brand aims to connect clients with legal support within 10 minutes and operates around the clock, emphasizing both urgency and quality of service.

ABOUT THE JAIME & BLANCA JARRÍN FOUNDATION (JBJF)

The Jaime & Blanca Jarrín Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young Latinos through education. Through scholarships and mentoring programs, the Foundation creates opportunities for underserved students to reach their full potential, investing in economically challenged college students working to realize their goals through higher education. Learn more at https://www.jarrinfoundation.org/.

ABOUT THE SIEMPRE CONTIGO COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

Los Defensores’ Siempre Contigo community initiative is an extension of the brand’s belief in treating every individual like family — offering unwavering support, guidance, and advocacy when it is needed most. Officially launched in 2024, Siempre Contigo empowers individuals and families to overcome common barriers and thrive despite adversity, ensuring the communities Los Defensores serves receive not just legal assistance, but meaningful support that fosters long-term well-being across the United States.

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SOURCE Los Defensores & Jaime and Blanca Jarrin Foundation

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Zelus Automation Platform and Woodforest National Bank Sign Agreement for SNAP Platform

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Partnership brings Zelus’s SNAP automation platform to one of the nation’s largest community banks.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zelus Automation Platform and Woodforest National Bank® today announced an agreement for Zelus’s SNAP platform. The partnership will deliver next-generation automation capabilities across Woodforest’s retail banking operations, supporting the bank’s nearly 740 branches in 17 states nationwide.

“At Woodforest, it’s always been about customers first, community always, and this venture with Zelus brings that commitment to life in new and powerful ways,” said Julie Mayrant, President and Chief Community Bank Officer Woodforest National Bank. “Our upcoming move to Jack Henry’s SilverLake System™ sets the stage for exactly this kind of decision. Zelus’ SNAP solution integrates seamlessly with SilverLake, so we’re able to automate processes without adding complexity to our tech stack. It was a natural fit — one that lets us build on our core investment rather than work around it.”

The agreement reflects both organizations’ commitment to a long-term partnership built on shared goals of operational excellence and customer service. SNAP will be deployed across Woodforest’s retail banking network, which spans Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

“We are honored to partner with Woodforest National Bank, one of the nation’s most respected community banking institutions,” said Russell Bond, Chief Executive Officer of Zelus Automation Platform. “This agreement is a testament to the power of SNAP and our shared vision of transforming the way community banks operate and serve their customers.”

The implementation of SNAP across Woodforest’s operations is expected to begin in the coming months.

About Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank has successfully stood among the strongest community banks in the nation, proudly offering outstanding customer service since 1980. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, Woodforest operates nearly 740 branches in 17 states and employs approximately 4,300 associates. As an employee-owned institution, Woodforest understands the importance of investing in its people and the communities it serves. Woodforest is an Outstanding CRA-rated institution. For more information, visit www.woodforest.com.

About Zelus Automation Platform

Zelus Automation Platform is a leading provider of intelligent automation solutions for the financial services industry. The company’s flagship SNAP platform enables banks and financial institutions to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience through advanced automation technology. For more information, visit www.zap-llc.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zelus-automation-platform-and-woodforest-national-bank-sign-agreement-for-snap-platform-302825450.html

SOURCE Woodforest National Bank

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High Rye Seeding Rates Prove Effective for Weed Suppression

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A new Weed Science Society of America research article shows a generously seeded cereal rye cover crop helps reduce weed pressure for organic no-till soybean production

WESTMINSTER, Colo., July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) journal, Weed Science, recently published a research article showing that a cereal rye cover crop helps reduce weed pressure for organic no-till soybean production, particularly when seeded at higher rates. The two-year research study reviewed field experiments conducted during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 growing seasons near Rock Springs, Pennsylvania, at the Pennsylvania State University Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center.

“The aim of this study was to compare the magnitude of weed control and soybean yield under different cereal rye densities within the soybean phase of cover-crop based organic rotational no-till production,” states Laurel Wellman, a Ph.D. student in plant sciences at Pennsylvania State University, and the study’s corresponding author. “Our results indicated that all cereal rye seeding rates reduced weed biomass compared to the unseeded cereal rye control plots, and that the higher cereal rye seeding rates reduced weed biomass significantly more than the lower seeding rates.” 

In two experiments, the researchers evaluated rye cultural management strategies for rye biomass, weed suppression, and soybean yield. They tested: 

four rye seeding rates (0.5-3 bu. acre) and two sowing arrangements (grid vs. row sowing)fall-applied poultry litter (0, 1.5, 3 tons acre) with two soybean planting dates (planting green or standard planting). 

“Increasing cereal rye seeding rate did not lead to increased rye biomass but did increase weed suppression,” points out Wellman. “Soybean yield was unaffected by rye seeding rates, and sowing arrangement did not affect any response.” 

Interestingly, “while fall poultry litter significantly increased rye biomass, weed suppression was unaffected,” she adds.

During one of the two cropping seasons studied, planting green reduced soybean establishment and yield, note the researchers. However, they also state that “these results highlight the limitations of organic no-till soybean production within grain crop rotations in the Northeastern U.S. when using cereal rye as a stand-alone weed suppression method. Increasing cereal rye seeding rates or applying fall fertility could be effective cultural practices when integrated with other weed control tactics to supplement weed suppression by rye surface mulch.” 

Overall, and perhaps most importantly, notes Wellman, the study “indicates that higher cereal rye seeding rates improved weed suppression independently of cereal rye biomass.” 

More information about the study is available online in the article: “Cultural management of cereal rye for weed suppression in cover crop-based organic rotational no-till soybean.” The research article is among others recently featured in Weed Science, a Weed Science Society of America journal, published by Cambridge University Press. Wellman can be contacted about the study at lew5444@psu.edu.

About Weed Science 
Weed Science is a journal of the Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society focused on weeds and their impact on the environment. The publication presents peer-reviewed, original research related to all aspects of weed science, including biology, ecology, physiology, management, and control of weeds. To learn more, visit www.wssa.net

Media Contact: 
Jo Skelton 
Cambridge University Press 
Senior Brand and Partner Communications Manager 
cupacademic@cambridge.org 
01223326165 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/high-rye-seeding-rates-prove-effective-for-weed-suppression-302825303.html

SOURCE Weed Science Society of America

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ICW Holdings Provides Update on Its Flagship Strategic Equities Investment Strategy

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BROOKLYN, N.Y., July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ICW Holdings, LLC (“ICW”), an investment management firm, today announced the formation and launch of its flagship fund, a private investment vehicle pursuing a global, long-biased equity strategy by combining bottom-up company research with macroeconomic regime analysis and portfolio risk management.

Managed by Mark Dinner, formerly with Bridgewater Associates, the strategy is designed to create a diversified, risk-balanced portfolio of high-quality businesses. With a focus on managing concentration risk and navigating a wide range of inflationary, deflationary, and policy-drive environments, the strategy’s multi-layered investment process integrates macro risk analysis, systematic portfolio construction, and selective tail-risk mitigation.

“ICW was founded on the belief that companies are the most fundamental drivers of long-term value creation and our investment approach combines rigorous bottom-up equity selection with a deep understanding of macroeconomic regimes,” said Dinner. “We believe the current environment continues to reward an active, differentiated investment approach that can adapt across cycles. The strategy is designed with that flexibility at its core and formalizes an investment approach we have been actively executing since our founding in 2021.”

ICW’s leadership team combines macro investing expertise, systematic portfolio construction experience, and institutional operational oversight. Collectively, the team brings over 100 years of cumulative experience across leading investment organizations.

About ICW Holdings, LLC

ICW is an investment management firm founded in 2020 by Mark Dinner, a former senior investor at Bridgewater Associates, to apply a disciplined understanding of macroeconomic regimes and portfolio balance to equity investing. The firm serves eligible investors seeking risk-aware equity exposure across market cycles. All statements regarding personnel background, firm history, and strategy should be reviewed for accuracy and substantiation before dissemination.

Important Notice: This press release is for general informational purposes only. It is not, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities or other investment interests, and it is not intended to condition the market for any securities offering. ICW is not using this announcement to market any securities. Any private offering, if made, would be conducted only through confidential offering materials and only in accordance with applicable law.

Media Contact

Matthew Della Croce
Clario Group
1-646-319-7487
matthew.dellacroce@clariogroup.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/icw-holdings-provides-update-on-its-flagship-strategic-equities-investment-strategy-302825455.html

SOURCE ICW Holdings

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