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Connected Nation earns GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for ‘longest internet literacy live stream’

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CN’s 25th anniversary event brought together AT&T as the lead collaborator, Amazon, Netflix, and more than 25 partner organizations in delivering free digital skills training worldwide

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — National nonprofit Connected Nation (CN) has earned the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the “longest internet literacy live stream” after broadcasting free digital skills training without interruption. Guinness World Records states that the record is 25 hours and was achieved by Connected Nation, Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 25, 2026.

The record recognizes the longest continuous live stream in which participants learn to use digital devices, AI tools, and the internet safely.

Broadcast live from Hatfield Media’s studios in Louisville, the marathon marked CN’s 25th anniversary with 25 consecutive hour-long sessions designed to help people build the skills and confidence to navigate an increasingly digital world. The broadcast began at 9 a.m. ET on September 24 and concluded at 10 a.m. ET on September 25.

The marathon brought together experts and community leaders for practical training on artificial intelligence (AI), online safety, digital wellness, workforce skills, digital resilience, foundational digital skills, and other everyday digital needs. The sessions were designed for people at a wide range of ages and skill levels. Training partners included educators, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, libraries, and technology organizations worldwide.

The following organizations served as digital skills trainers during the event, with each hosting one or more hour-long segments focused on a variety of topics from “AI Self-Defense” to “Navigating Digital Life Together” and more. U.S.-based organizations included: Human-I-T, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, Murray State University, United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), LBJ Presidential Library, Compudopt, Common Sense Media, Digital Connect Initiative — Gila River Indian Community, and Tech Savvy Teens. International trainers included: The Hacking Games (U.K.), Fizzics Education and Australian Virtual Astronaut (Australia), Aimers Foundation (India and Australia), Orissa State Volunteers and Social Workers Association (India), Tunisian Association for Educational Initiatives (Tunisia), Angaza Center (Kenya), Impact Hub Harare (Zimbabwe), Causas XXI (Portugal), and Fundación Tecnológicas Conectadas (Argentina).

“We are tremendously proud of this achievement, and it simply would not have been possible without the extraordinary partners who came together around a shared mission: helping people thrive in a connected world,” said Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO, CN. “We are deeply grateful to our lead collaborator, AT&T, and incredible partners and sponsors, including Netflix, Amazon, the Muhammad Ali Center, Hatfield Media, Americana World Community Center, and dozens more, who brought their expertise, energy, and heart to this effort. To celebrate 25 years of Connected Nation by accomplishing something this meaningful together is a source of pride for our entire team.”

The marathon reflects CN’s work to address a Digital Divide that extends beyond internet access to the skills people need to participate fully in a connected world. All sessions were recorded and will be made available to the public at no cost, extending the training reach beyond the live event.

“Our greatest pride comes from bringing people together across six continents and shining a global spotlight on our mission,” said Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation, CN. “This record gave us a powerful platform to champion the digital skills people need to pursue opportunities, improve their lives, and navigate the internet safely. Seeing that message resonate around the world is what makes it so meaningful. We are grateful to our awareness partners and to everyone who hosted watch parties that drew viewers to the live stream and sparked curiosity and excitement.”

Additional support came from sponsors Accredible and Educating for Leadership, which provided digital credentials for participants, and from awareness partners including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Moonshot, Newby Ventures, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, and Virtual Excursions Australia. Watch parties were hosted by the Bowling Green/Warren County AARP Chapter #1967 in Kentucky and ACUTAS in Puerto Rico.

Earning the title for the “longest internet literacy live stream” also resulted in the first “Record of Good” ever awarded in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This distinction from Guinness World Records recognizes efforts that create meaningful, positive impact in people’s lives. The designation reflects the purpose behind CN’s work for the past 25 years: improving lives through access to broadband and its related technologies.

About Connected Nation: Marking its 25th anniversary in 2026, Connected Nation is a U.S.-based national nonprofit whose mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. Learn more at connectednation.org

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SOURCE Connected Nation

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ChoiceOne Bank Announces Official Opening of ChoiceOne Bank Trail at Silver Lake Road and Jennings Road in Fenton

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SPARTA, Mich., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., and ChoiceOne Bank (NASDAQ: COFS) (“ChoiceOne”) are pleased to announce the official opening of the ChoiceOne Bank Trail following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the corner of Silver Lake Road and Jennings Road in Fenton.

“The ChoiceOne Bank Trail encourages people to get outside. It creates opportunities to explore our beautiful communities.” said ChoiceOne President Michael J. Burke, Jr. “It also serves as a reminder that we’re all connected. The communities along this trail each have their own unique character, and together they form something even stronger. We are honored that the ChoiceOne name will be part of that story.”

The ChoiceOne Bank Trail is part of the Genesee County Legacy Trails network, an initiative designed to connect more than 200 miles of trails throughout Flint and Genesee County. The Legacy Trails network will help connect residents to essential community destinations, including parks, schools, grocery stores and libraries.

“We are honored and excited to celebrate the official opening of the ChoiceOne Bank Trail,” said ChoiceOne Vice President Danielle Chateauvert. “ChoiceOne has collaborated with the LAFF Pathway over the years to help envision this important community project. Our involvement in the Legacy Trails network, including the naming of the ChoiceOne Bank Trail, reflects ChoiceOne’s commitment to investing in and supporting the communities we serve.”

The Genesee County five-year strategic trails plan establishes a unified vision for a safe, connected, and accessible nonmotorized trail network linking communities throughout the county. When completed, the Legacy Trails network is expected to place more than 180,000 people within one mile of a nonmotorized trail. The network will also connect 23 Genesee County communities, two state parks, 151 other parks, and 89 schools. To learn more about the Legacy Trails network, visit geneseetrails.com.

About ChoiceOne
ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Sparta, Michigan, with assets of approximately $4.4 billion, and the parent corporation of ChoiceOne Bank. Member FDIC. ChoiceOne Bank operates 54 offices in West, Central and Southeast Michigan. ChoiceOne Bank offers insurance and investment products through its subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “COFS.” For more information, please visit Investor Relations at ChoiceOne’s website choiceone.bank.

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INBLOOM AUTISM SERVICES EXPANDS IN CONNECTICUT WITH NEW LEARNING CENTERS IN WALLINGFORD AND EAST GRANBY

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New centers expand access to center-based ABA therapy for young children with autism as demand for specialized services continues to grow.

WALLINGFORD, Conn. and EAST GRANBY, Conn., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — InBloom Autism Services is expanding its presence in Connecticut with the opening of two new Learning Centers in Wallingford and East Granby, bringing specialized autism services to more families in the region. 

According to data from the 2020–2021 National Survey of Children’s Health, 3.0% of Connecticut parents reported that their child, ages 3–17, had autism, compared with 2.9% nationally. The data underscores the ongoing need for accessible, specialized services for children and families across the state.

The new Learning Centers will serve children 18 months through 5 years old in autism friendly environments designed to support communication, social development, independence, and school readiness. Each center features play-based learning spaces, individual therapy rooms, sensory-friendly gym areas, and mock classrooms where children can build skills through age-appropriate activities. 

InBloom Autism Services is an in-network provider with many major insurance providers. Families interested in learning more about ABA therapy at the new centers can contact the InBloom Care Team at 888-754-0398 or visit inbloomautism.com.

Since 2019, InBloom has provided center-based ABA therapy to families in Connecticut and has continued to grow its presence across the state. The new locations extend that reach to families in the Wallingford and East Granby communities while providing additional opportunities for individualized care during the critical early childhood years.

“We don’t measure our growth simply by the number of doors we open,” said Tim Bohman, Chief Executive Officer at InBloom Autism Services. “We measure it by the quality of care we’re able to provide inside those doors. As we expand in Connecticut, we’re committed to finding and supporting the best clinicians across the state and building teams that are equipped to provide individualized, meaningful care to every child and family who walks through our doors.”

The new centers feature spaces designed around the way young children learn and develop, including:

Large playrooms that support naturalistic, play-based learning and social interactionIndividual therapy rooms for one-to-one instruction and skill developmentIndoor gyms with sensory-friendly activities that encourage movement and body awarenessMock classrooms where children can practice skills and routines that support the transition to kindergarten

InBloom’s ABA programs are individualized by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and incorporate play-based, naturalistic learning opportunities. Families also participate through ongoing communication and parent coaching designed to help children use newly developed skills at home and in their communities.

“We’re excited to bring InBloom’s model of individualized, center-based ABA therapy to more families in the region,” said Abigail Dunn, M.S., BCBA, LBA, Senior Vice President of Clinical and Operations at InBloom Autism Services. “Our Learning Centers are designed to give young children with autism opportunities to build communication, social, daily living, and school-readiness skills in an environment created specifically for their needs.”

In addition to ABA therapy, InBloom has expanded its services in Connecticut to include autism diagnostic evaluations for young children through an in-house licensed psychologist. This expansion gives families access to both diagnostic and therapeutic services within InBloom’s continuum of care.

A SPACE DESIGNED FOR EARLY LEARNING

Each InBloom Learning Center is designed with young children and their families in mind. Therapy takes place through engaging, age-appropriate activities that allow children to practice skills in environments that mirror everyday experiences.

Programs may address communication, social interaction, play, daily living skills, independence, and preparation for school. Treatment plans are individualized and updated as children progress.

The new Wallingford and East Granby Learning Centers are located at 860 North Main Street Ext, Suite 101A, Wallingford, CT 06492 and 2 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 110, East Granby, CT 06026, respectively.

ABOUT INBLOOM AUTISM SERVICES

Founded in 2015, InBloom Autism Services provides center-based ABA therapy for young children with autism. InBloom’s Learning Centers are designed to provide individualized, play-based therapy in environments created specifically for children with autism. The organization serves families across multiple states and is committed to helping children develop skills that support greater communication, independence, social connection, and participation in everyday life.

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SOURCE InBloom Autism Services

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Splitero Partners with the Anaheim Ducks as Official Home Equity Partner, Debuts Splitero Club at Honda Center

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The Partnership Marks Splitero’s Third Major Southern California Sports Partnership And Introduces A New Premium Fan Destination At Honda Center

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Splitero, the financial technology company that helps homeowners access their home equity, today announced a new partnership with the Anaheim Ducks, naming Splitero the team’s Official Home Equity Partner. The partnership with Honda Center includes Splitero Club, opening on October 1, 2026. The Splitero Club is a new members-only hospitality club that redefines the guest experience while giving fans direct access to home equity education.

The partnership expands Splitero’s growing presence in Southern California sports, building on successful partnerships with the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Kings, and raising awareness of Splitero’s goal to educate Southern California homeowners about options for accessing their home equity. The partnership gives Splitero’s signature Orange Soda color a home base in the heart of Orange County. Unique to this partnership is the Splitero Club itself, a new premium club at Honda Center as part of Honda Center Encore, the arena’s $1 billion investment in the guest experience. The club will offer a luxury membership experience with bowl-facing views and dedicated wayfinding signage, creating a fully branded environment and go-to destination for guests. With year-round visibility across concerts, games, and other events, the Splitero Club establishes a bold, unmistakably orange presence in the heart of Orange County and gives the brand a home of its own within one of the region’s premier entertainment destinations.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with the Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks, as it aligns with our mission to offer homeowners a smarter way to access their equity,” said Michael Gifford, CEO and Co-Founder of Splitero. “California is our home, and we are thrilled to introduce the Splitero Club, which will provide a premium experience for Ducks fans and visitors to the Honda Center.”

In addition to the Splitero Club, fans will see Splitero branding throughout Honda Center, including on the arena’s dual 360-degree LED Rings surrounding the bowl, the scoreboard, player and Zamboni tunnel LED displays, ARTIC marquees, and additional digital signage and dashboards throughout the venue.

“We’re proud to welcome Splitero to the Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center family and to introduce the Splitero Club as a new destination designed to elevate the guest experience,” said Graham Siderius, Senior Vice President and Chief Partnership Officer. “This partnership brings together a strong Southern California brand and premium hospitality destination, creating a distinctive environment for guests while giving Splitero a meaningful presence across Ducks games, concerts and events throughout the year.”

To see Splitero’s partnership with the Anaheim Ducks in action at the Honda Center, visit https://www.nhl.com/ducks/ to get tickets or visit premium.hondacenter.com/premium/splitero-club to learn more about the Splitero Club. To learn more about Splitero, visit https://www.splitero.com.

About Splitero

Splitero is a financial technology company that provides homeowners with better options to access their home equity with no monthly payments. Founded in San Diego in 2021 by real estate veterans, Michael Gifford and David Zvaifler, Splitero turns home equity into cash in exchange for a share of the home’s future value. The home equity investment (HEI) company has no income requirements for applicants, and homeowners keep their homes and existing mortgage rates. Splitero’s innovative Maturity Match™ aligns the HEI term length with the homeowner’s remaining primary mortgage timeline. Splitero can help homeowners in 17 states access their equity with no monthly payments. For more information, visit https://www.splitero.com.

Contact Information
Lauren Niday, Senior PR Director  
splitero@powerdigital.com

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SOURCE Splitero

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