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Ascent Named a Top Private Student Loan Lender by NerdWallet, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and U.S. News

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Industry recognition highlights Ascent’s flexible repayment options, no-fee student loans, borrower benefits, and commitment to helping students successfully finance their education. 

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ascent Funding, LLC (“Ascent”), a student financing company focused on helping students and families confidently plan, pay, and succeed throughout higher education, announced it has been named NerdWallet’s 2026 Best Student Loan Overall. The honor also comes alongside additional recognition from Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and U.S. News, reinforcing Ascent’s position as a standout student loan provider for today’s learners. 

NerdWallet’s Best Student Loan Overall award recognizes lenders that stand out across the factors students and families weigh most when comparing private student loans, including accessibility, repayment flexibility, fees, borrower support, and overall value. Ascent was recognized for bringing those priorities together through private student loan options for borrowers with or without a co-signer, flexible repayment plans, no fees on student loans, career support, and graduation rewards. 

This award complements a strong year of 2026 recognition for Ascent, including: 

Forbes: Best for Flexible Payment Terms  

Forbes awarded Ascent a perfect 5-star rating for flexible payment terms, recognizing the company’s broad range of repayment options, commitment to serving diverse student populations, and innovative outcomes-based loan program designed to expand access to education financing for students who may not qualify through traditional credit-based underwriting. 

Yahoo Finance: Best Overall Private Student Loan 

Yahoo Finance named Ascent its Best Overall Private Student Loan, recognizing the company for its undergraduate and graduate student loan options, longer-than-usual grace period after graduation, and Progressive Repayment option, which allows borrowers to begin with smaller payments after graduation that increase over time while remaining within the original loan term. 

U.S. News: Highest Listed Private Student Loan Lender Rating 

U.S. News rated Ascent 4.8/5 in its Best Private Student Loans comparison, the highest listed rating among private student loan lenders. The rating reflects Ascent’s no-fee structure, accessibility for noncitizens, broad range of eligible schools and programs, and flexible repayment options. 

“Paying for college can feel complicated, and students deserve options that make the process feel clearer and more manageable,” said Allie Danziger, Chief Marketing Officer at Ascent. “We’re honored to be recognized by respected financial publications because these awards reflect the work our team does every day to support borrowers with options designed to meet them where they are.” 

Recognition That Reflects Real Student Impact 

Together, these awards reflect what Ascent is building: a student loan experience with more pathways to financing, support beyond the loan, stronger borrower benefits, and repayment options designed for the realities of modern learners. According to the 2025 Impact Report, in 2025 alone, Ascent helped more than 27,000 learners finance their education across more than 1,300 colleges and universities and 80 career schools, disbursing more than $357 million to support students in traditional degree programs, career training programs, certificates, bootcamps, and workforce pathways. Ascent also broadened access through more than $32 million in Zero Percent Loans and more than $8 million in loans to DACA students, while more than 9,200 learners engaged in professional skills and financial wellness training. 

That same focus on access and support shows up in the way Ascent structures its student loan options: competitive rates starting at 2.19% Annual Percentage Rate (APR)¹, no fees on college and graduate student loans, automatic payment discounts, flexible repayment options, and access to AscentUP student success resources². The result is a student financing experience built to meet more learners where they are, helping them pay for school with options that are clearer, more flexible, and better aligned with the path ahead. 

About Ascent

Ascent is a leading provider of innovative financial products and wrap-around student support services that has helped more than 220,000 borrowers* pay for school while enabling more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success. 

 Everything Ascent offers is designed by leading industry professionals and with advanced technology and innovation to increase every student’s ability to plan, pay, and succeed. Ascent’s Outcomes-Based Loan ™ provides funding to credit-invisible borrowers who generally do not benefit from traditional credit. Ascent products also include: Cosigned Loans, Solo Loans, Career Loans, Parent Loans, Graduate Loans, Access Loans, Enterprise Loans and Impact Loans.  

For more information, visit AscentFunding.com. 

Ascent Funding, LLC products are made available through Bank of Lake Mills or DR Bank, each Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval. 

1Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) displayed above are effective as of 08/01/2026 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.5% on credit-based college student loans, and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based college student loans when you enroll in automatic payments. Loans subject to individual approval, restrictions and conditions apply. Loan features and information advertised are intended for college student loans and are subject to change at any time. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions. The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance as certified by an eligible school and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Lowest interest rates require full principal and interest (Immediate) payments, the shortest loan term, a cosigner, and are only available for our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores. Actual APR offered may be higher or lower than the examples above, based on the amount of time you spend in school and any grace period you have before repayment begins. Variable rates may increase after consummation.

2 For more information, including eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions, please visit www.ascentfunding.com/ascentbenefitsterms

* Over 220,000 borrowers took out an Ascent loan for college or career training tuition or expenses between January 2018 and March 2026. 

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HelloNation Article Breaks Down Lake Home Lifestyle Choices With Real Estate Expert Tony Isa

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The Article Explains How Infrastructure, Year-Round Access, and Community Shape Choices Between Full-Time and Seasonal Lake Living

ANGOLA, Ind., Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What are the best lakes in Steuben County for full-time living and vacation homes? HelloNation has published an article featuring insights from Real Estate Expert Tony Isa that provides the answer by examining how different lakes support different lifestyles.

The article explains that choosing a lake home involves more than finding an appealing water view. Roads, utilities, nearby services, and year-round community activity can determine whether a property works better as a permanent residence or seasonal retreat.

For buyers considering full-time lake living, the HelloNation article highlights Crooked Lake as a practical option. Its four-season infrastructure includes paved roads and reliable utilities, while its proximity to Angola provides access to healthcare, grocery stores, schools, and other everyday needs.

The article also notes that many homes around Crooked Lake are designed for winter use. This can matter for residents who need their property and surrounding community to remain functional throughout colder months. These features help distinguish full-time lake living from owning a home intended mainly for summer visits.

Jimmerson Lake offers another example of a lake that can support year-round residents. According to the article featuring Real Estate Expert Tony Isa, the area combines reliable services with access to neighboring lakes, including Lake James. That connection gives homeowners additional water access while allowing them to remain close to practical services.

Infrastructure becomes especially important during winter. The article explains that snow removal, utility access, and emergency services can affect daily life once seasonal activity slows. Lakes with established year-round populations often have systems that help residents maintain their routines throughout the year.

Clear Lake represents a different type of lake home lifestyle. The article describes it as a location with strong summer appeal and a quieter atmosphere when the main vacation season ends. That pattern can suit owners seeking a seasonal lake home focused on weekends, recreation, and time away from everyday routines.

Seasonal buyers may also value features that full-time residents view differently. Fewer year-round neighbors, a slower off-season pace, and greater privacy can support the sense of retreat these homeowners want. The article notes that convenience may be less important when the property is primarily used for vacations.

These differences show why buyers should consider how a lake community operates throughout the entire year. A property that provides privacy and quiet during part of the year may not offer the access needed for daily living. A busier year-round community may provide stronger infrastructure while offering less of the seasonal atmosphere some vacation homeowners prefer.

The HelloNation article encourages readers to match their expectations with the practical characteristics of each lake. The best fit depends on how often the home will be occupied, which services residents need, and what type of community experience they expect.

Understanding those distinctions can help buyers evaluate Steuben County properties beyond shoreline features alone. From established year-round neighborhoods to quieter seasonal settings, the area provides different approaches to the lake home lifestyle. The article featuring Real Estate Expert Tony Isa shows how examining infrastructure, access, and community patterns can help buyers identify a lake that fits their intended use.

The Best Lakes in Steuben County for Full-Time Living vs. Vacation Homes features insights from Tony Isa, a real estate expert in Angola, Indiana, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellonation-article-breaks-down-lake-home-lifestyle-choices-with-real-estate-expert-tony-isa-302847173.html

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HelloNation Article Explains Car Accident Injury Steps, Featuring Personal Injury Attorney and Auto Accident Expert Johnny Hawkins

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The article outlines practical steps that help protect health, documentation, and insurance rights after a Michigan car accident.

DETROIT, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should you do after a car accident injury in Michigan? HelloNation answers that question in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Personal Injury Attorney and Auto Accident Expert Johnny Hawkins of Law Office of J L Hawkins, PLLC.

The article explains that the first priority after a Michigan car accident is ensuring everyone’s safety. If possible, drivers should move to a safe location away from traffic, check for injuries, and call 911 when emergency assistance or a police response is needed. The article notes that an official police report often becomes an important part of accident documentation and may help clarify what occurred.

The HelloNation article emphasizes that seeking a prompt medical evaluation is important even when injuries appear minor. Many common conditions associated with a car accident injury, including soft tissue injuries and concussions, may not produce symptoms immediately. A timely medical evaluation helps identify injuries before they worsen while creating medical records that may become important during an insurance claim or other legal matters.

The article also describes the value of gathering information at the accident scene whenever it is safe to do so. Drivers should exchange contact information, driver’s license details, vehicle registration information, and insurance information with everyone involved. Witness names and phone numbers can also be helpful. Photographs showing vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and visible injuries provide additional accident documentation that may help if questions arise later.

According to the article, staying organized after a Michigan car accident can make the recovery process easier. Medical bills, treatment records, prescription expenses, repair estimates, and receipts for out-of-pocket costs should all be saved. If a car accident injury prevents someone from working, records showing missed time and lost wages also help document the full impact of the accident.

The HelloNation article explains that insurance companies often contact injured drivers soon after a collision. While reporting the accident to an insurance company is appropriate, the article advises taking a thoughtful approach before providing detailed recorded statements or accepting an early settlement offer. Because some injuries require ongoing treatment, the full extent of a car accident injury may not be known immediately after the crash.

The article further explains that Michigan’s no-fault insurance system contains unique rules that may affect available benefits and legal options. Understanding how no-fault insurance applies to a specific accident helps individuals make informed decisions while avoiding common mistakes during the insurance claim process. Since every collision involves different circumstances, the article notes that available options may vary based on the facts of each case.

Throughout the article, Personal Injury Attorney and Auto Accident Expert Johnny Hawkins emphasizes practical preparation rather than quick decisions. Careful accident documentation, prompt medical evaluation, and organized records help preserve important information while allowing injured individuals to focus on their recovery after a Michigan car accident. The article explains that taking these steps can reduce unnecessary complications during an already stressful time.

The article concludes that recovering from a car accident involves much more than repairing a vehicle. Paying attention to physical health, maintaining complete records, understanding no-fault insurance, and approaching every insurance claim carefully can help protect both personal well-being and important legal interests.

What to Do After a Car Accident Injury in Michigan features insights from Johnny Hawkins, Personal Injury Attorney and Auto Accident Expert of Detroit, Michigan, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellonation-article-explains-car-accident-injury-steps-featuring-personal-injury-attorney-and-auto-accident-expert-johnny-hawkins-302847174.html

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webAI Releases TwiL-LM, a Family of Formal-Logic Models That Outreason a 120B Model and Run on an iPhone

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Built for compliance rules, contract logic, and research reasoning, the 3B model beats OpenAI’s open-weights gpt-oss-120b, a model 40× its size, on four of five formal-reasoning benchmarks, while the 1-gigabyte 1.7B variant outperforms every sub-2B model webAI evaluated.

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — webAI today released TwiL-LM (Thinking webAI Intelligence Lab Language Model), a family of small formal-logic models at 1.7 billion and 3 billion parameters that run entirely on consumer hardware and outscore far larger models at deductive reasoning. TwiL-LM3, the 3B model, beats gpt-oss-120b, a model 40 times its size, on four of five benchmarks in webAI’s formal-reasoning suite. Both models are available now on Hugging Face.

TwiL-LM does one hard thing exceptionally well: it translates plain English into formal logic, checks whether conclusions follow from their premises, and works through multi-step deductive reasoning which is the backbone of compliance rules, contract conditions, research, and everyday decision-making. This is a contribution to the sub-field known as autoformalization.

The AI-reasoning race has so far been a story about scale, with frontier labs pursuing better reasoning through ever-larger models served from data centers. TwiL takes the opposite bet: pure deductive reasoning, distilled into a package small enough to download onto a phone at about one gigabyte to connect with your non-internet data sources. It is an expert an enterprise can own and run at the edge instead of renting through an API.

“What’s surprised me most about TwiL is how useful it is beyond any single benchmark,” said David Stout, CEO and co-founder of webAI. “I use it every day for writing, tool calling, and general reasoning, but the more interesting capability is how well it works alongside other expert models. TwiL can act almost like an auto-correct for AI — checking outputs, refining reasoning, enforcing structure, and helping specialized models produce better answers. And because it runs at around 300 tokens per second on an M2 MacBook, you can use that reasoning layer continuously without slowing everything else down.”

The numbers

Against gpt-oss-120b on webAI’s formal-reasoning suite, TwiL-LM3 (3B) scores:

96.4 vs. 65.2 on rule induction (deriving rules from data)87.6 vs. 43.3 on semantic parsing (language into structured queries (token F1)64.6 vs. 63.1 on Lean formalization (theorem statements into formal code (token F1))52.0 vs. 7.0 on exact-format answering: a 7.4× gap68.7 vs. 77.5 on entailment labeling (the one lane the 120B model keeps a lead)

Beyond the formal-reasoning suite, TwiL-LM3 stays within striking distance of models many times its size on general benchmarks such as LogicBench (71.7) and GSM8K (87.3). In webAI’s throughput tests it answered 2.6× faster than gpt-oss-120b, at 32.9 vs. 12.6 answers per second. The 1.7B variant, built for phones, roughly doubles its base model (0.361 vs. 0.185 aggregate reasoning accuracy over SmolLM2-1.7B) and led every sub-2B model webAI evaluated, outscoring Phi-4-mini, SmolLM-3B, Qwen2.5-3B, and Llama-3.2-3B, models in the 3-to-4-billion-parameter class.

Expertise, not scale

TwiL-LM’s performance required no training from scratch. Instead, its small, targeted fine-tune came from a 289 MB LoRA adapter of roughly 72 million parameters, trained on a purpose-engineered, proprietary formal-logic data engine built from open sources.

The release is the continued public demonstration of webAI’s collaborative intelligence thesis: that the future of AI is not one giant generalist rented through an API, but specialized AI models as experts that teams build and run themselves.

“In the quest for artificial general intelligence (AGI) I think we are relearning the importance of narrow, specialized models that capture true expertise,” said Dr. Paul J. Maykish, Chief Intelligence Officer, webAI. “A minor consensus is growing that real work gets done by teams of specific AI models that interact and improve with your non-internet, expert data. TwiL-LM1.7B is what one of those deductive-reasoning experts looks like — in a form that downloads at 1.06 GB onto your phone. We imagine that many specialized expert models combining on a network without the need for special silicon is one path to AGI.”

Built to run where the work happens

The recommended quantized build is a 1.06 GB download that ran at roughly 367 tokens per second in webAI’s evaluation, fast enough for a small laptop or a phone. Nothing is sent to an external cloud, which matters for regulated environments in healthcare, financial services, and pharmaceuticals where data cannot leave the device.

Additional results include 0.655 on “entailment labeling” (checking if statements follow logically), the model’s strongest objective, and 0.590 on the held-out LogicBench (a test for logic puzzles) against 0.563 for the base model. The model has an 8,192-token context window. For high-stakes formal work, webAI recommends pairing TwiL-LM with verification tooling such as a symbolic solver to benefit from the speed but account for the shorter context window.

Availability

TwiL-LM 1.7B and 3B variants are available now on Hugging Face at webAI-Official/TwIL-LM, in formats for both the Transformers ecosystem and local llama.cpp deployment, under the webAI Non-Commercial License v1.0.

About webAI

webAI is the enterprise AI platform that brings AI to your data. Built for mission-critical environments, it enables organizations to build and operate private, custom models with complete data sovereignty, real-time performance, and predictable economics.

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