<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>
<channel>
	<title>Send2Press Newswire</title>
	<atom:link href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/xmlcleanpic/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/</link>
	<description>Press Release Distribution from Send2Press</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 09:55:22 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	
	<language>en-US</language>
<image>
	<title>Send2Press Newswire</title>
	<width>144</width>
	<height>31</height>
	<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire</link>
	<url>https://www.send2press.com/wire/assets/send2press-newswire-144x31.png</url>
</image>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	
	
	<item>
		<title>Kiosk Association Anchors Tech Hub at 2026 NRA Show, Highlights Self-Service, AI, Payments and Accessibility</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/kiosk-association-anchors-tech-hub-at-2026-nra-show-highlights-self-service-ai-payments-and-accessibility/</link>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 09:55:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The Industry Group</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant Hotel and Hospitality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chicago Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Point of Sale and Kiosks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Restaurant Association Show]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ CHICAGO, Ill. and DENVER, Colo. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ The Industry Group ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/ypfTe</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[CHICAGO, Ill. and DENVER, Colo., May 13, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Kiosk Manufacturer Association (KMA) and The Industry Group (TIG) will serve as a central technology hub for self-service, AI, payments, and accessibility at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, May 16-19. Restaurant operators and technology leaders are invited to visit Booth #5829 in the North Building at McCormick Place to see practical solutions that increase throughput, improve guest experience, and strengthen compliance across restaurant formats.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0513-s2p-tig-nra26-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Kiosk Association Anchors Tech Hub at 2026 NRA Show, Highlights Self-Service, AI, Payments and Accessibility" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>CHICAGO, Ill. and DENVER, Colo., May 13, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Kiosk Manufacturer Association (KMA) and The Industry Group (TIG) will serve as a central technology hub for self-service, AI, payments, and accessibility at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, May 16-19. Restaurant operators and technology leaders are invited to visit Booth #5829 in the North Building at McCormick Place to see practical solutions that increase throughput, improve guest experience, and strengthen compliance across restaurant formats.<br />
<br />
At Booth #5829, attendees will see a spectrum of deployed and deployable technologies. Pyramid Computer will feature its POLYTOUCH kiosk platforms, giving operators flexible hardware options for ordering, wayfinding, and guest engagement. TPGi will demonstrate accessibility best practices, including JAWS and screen reader compliance, to help restaurant brands meet ADA and EAA requirements. URway Holdings has conversational AI and voice ordering that reduces friction and allows more guests to complete orders successfully. Sitekiosk will demonstrate secure kiosk software and device lockdown designed to protect unattended terminals from tampering and misuse while simplifying remote management. Innovative Technology is expected to highlight biometric and identity validation capabilities, subject to final confirmation.<br />
<br />
KMA and TIG are also offering an "NRA 2026 Tech Walking Route" that starts and ends at Booth #5829 and guides visitors through a curated loop of self-service, POS, payments, AI, hardware, and robotics exhibitors in the North Hall. The walking tour is designed to minimize backtracking, group vendors by theme, and help attendees capture actionable insights at each stop. Walking-tour instructions and a downloadable route map will be available online so visitors can plan their technology time before they arrive.<br />
<br />
In other news, TIG has introduced new company profile services featuring first-level SEO and AI analysis to help vendors improve visibility beyond a basic website. Organizations can use an online self-survey to determine whether they need a formal profile, and profiles are available for purchase at $79. Additional Consensus research reports are also available, including voice in AI self-service, cash acceptance versus credit with calculator, and a retrofit decision kit with ROI calculator; supporters receive all data reports free.<br />
<br />
For a complete preview of exhibitors at Booth #5829, solution overviews, and walking-tour details, visit the KMA/TIG NRA Show page at https://kioskindustry.org/nra-national-restaurant-show.<br />
</p><p>News Source: The Industry Group</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://industrygroup.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://industrygroup.org/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/kiosk-association-anchors-tech-hub-at-2026-nra-show-highlights-self-service-ai-payments-and-accessibility/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/kiosk-association-anchors-tech-hub-at-2026-nra-show-highlights-self-service-ai-payments-and-accessibility/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0513-s2p-tig-nra26-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>Vesta Partners with OptiFunder to Bring Loan Origination and Warehouse Funding Together</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/vesta-partners-with-optifunder-to-bring-loan-origination-and-warehouse-funding-together/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 19:35:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>OptiFunder</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alliances and Partnerships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Artificial Intelligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FinTech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Missouri Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[St. Louis Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loan origination system]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage AI]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ ST. LOUIS, Mo. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ OptiFunder ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/1Z7iK</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- OptiFunder&#xae;, the mortgage industry pioneer in warehouse management automation, has partnered with Vesta, the AI-native loan origination system and agent platform, to connect loan origination and warehouse funding workflows. The integration links origination, funding, and sale to the capital markets, eliminating fragmented systems and manual handoffs that have historically slowed execution and increased risk.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0512-s2p-optifunder-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Vesta Partners with OptiFunder to bring loan origination and warehouse funding together." decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- OptiFunder&#xae;, the mortgage industry pioneer in warehouse management automation, has partnered with Vesta, the AI-native loan origination system and agent platform, to connect loan origination and warehouse funding workflows. The integration links origination, funding, and sale to the capital markets, eliminating fragmented systems and manual handoffs that have historically slowed execution and increased risk.<br />
<br />
That fragmentation ends with Genesis by OptiFunder, a Warehouse Management System for mortgage originators, embedded directly inside Vesta's LOS. Mortgage bankers can now manage warehouse funding strategy, optimize line utilization, and automate post-closing workflows without switching systems or rekeying data. The integration combines real-time origination data with intelligent decisioning across OptiFunder's network of 60+ warehouse lenders, cutting financing costs and improving funding accuracy across origination, reconciliation, and paydown - all from a single system of record.<br />
<br />
"Warehouse management has traditionally operated outside the LOS, creating unnecessary friction and risk," said Brian Abbott, Chief Operating Officer of OptiFunder. "By connecting the LOS and Genesis, we're aligning origination and warehouse workflows into a single, intelligent process. Originators gain a seamless, end-to-end funding experience, Vesta extends its operational reach, and warehouse lenders benefit from standardized, system-driven connectivity that scales across multiple originators and environments."<br />
<br />
Beyond originators, the integration delivers meaningful value across the broader warehouse ecosystem. Together, Vesta and OptiFunder extend the origination workflow into warehouse finance-one of the most capital-intensive and operationally complex stages of mortgage lending-without requiring custom, one-off integrations for each warehouse lender. For warehouse lenders, Genesis provides a single, bi-directional integration that supports dozens of originators, improving consistency, visibility, and operational efficiency.<br />
<br />
The API-based integration also enhances reliability and security throughout the funding lifecycle. System-to-system connectivity reduces reliance on spreadsheets, emails, and manual portal activity, minimizing data errors and operational risk. Secure data transmission, role-based access controls, and complete audit trails improve transparency and support compliance requirements, while automated workflows ensure funding, collateral, reconciliation, and paydowns are executed consistently and predictably.<br />
<br />
"We're proud to partner with the OptiFunder team to bring Genesis closer to the loan origination workflow," said Monica Raciti, Head of Operations and Partnerships at Vesta. "Warehouse finance is one of the most operationally complex parts of mortgage lending, and tighter integration between origination and funding makes life easier for the lenders we both serve."<br />
<br />
For more information about Genesis by OptiFunder, visit: https://www.optifunder.com/  <br />
<br />
To learn more about Vesta, visit: https://www.vesta.com/ <br />
<br />
About OptiFunder<br />
<br />
Founded by mortgage lenders to modernize post-closing and secondary market operations, OptiFunder is a mortgage technology company delivering transparent, efficient warehouse management solutions for mortgage originators and warehouse lenders. Its Genesis and Greyhound platforms seamlessly connect funding, post-closing, and loan repayment, creating a unified lifecycle that reduces friction, improves visibility, and supports scalable operations. OptiFunder has been recognized for its innovation and growth, earning honors including Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Private Companies, HousingWire's Tech100 Mortgage award, and Progress in Lending's Innovation Award.<br />
<br />
About Vesta<br />
<br />
Vesta is the AI-native loan origination system and agent platform for mortgage, powering banks, independent mortgage banks, and fintech lenders. Built on a modern, cloud-native system of record, Vesta gives lenders a single source of truth-every loan, borrower, property, and document is versioned, auditable, and accessible via API-so teams and agents operate from the same trusted context. Vesta blends deterministic rules and configurable workflows with autonomous agents that can interpret documents, call domain tools (e.g., income and asset calculators, conditions, disclosures, pricing and fee workflows), and orchestrate work across teams and third parties with traceable outcomes and human oversight. The result is faster cycle times, lower cost per loan, and a scalable "agent factory" operating model. Founded in 2020, Vesta is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Bain Capital Ventures, Conversion Capital, Index Ventures, and Zigg Capital. Learn more at https://www.vesta.com/.<br />
</p><p>News Source: OptiFunder</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.optifunder.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.optifunder.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/vesta-partners-with-optifunder-to-bring-loan-origination-and-warehouse-funding-together/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/vesta-partners-with-optifunder-to-bring-loan-origination-and-warehouse-funding-together/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0512-s2p-optifunder-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>$20 Billion Tesla Semiconductor Plant Headlines 149 New Industrial Capital Projects</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/20-billion-tesla-semiconductor-plant-headlines-149-new-industrial-capital-projects/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 12:00:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Industrial SalesLeads Inc</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Manufacturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Electronics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jacksonville Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reports and Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ JACKSONVILLE, Fla. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ Industrial SalesLeads Inc ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/mM6Ti</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Industrial SalesLeads released its April 2026 planned capital project spending report and saw a surge in new industrial manufacturing capital projects, with our research team tracking 149 newly identified planned industrial projects ranging from plant expansions and new construction to renovations and equipment upgrades. Leading the month is Tesla's planned $20 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility in TX.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0512-s2p-sleads-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="$20 Billion Tesla Semiconductor Plant Headlines 149 New Industrial Capital Projects" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Industrial SalesLeads released its April 2026 planned capital project spending report and saw a surge in new industrial manufacturing capital projects, with our research team tracking 149 newly identified planned industrial projects ranging from plant expansions and new construction to renovations and equipment upgrades. Leading the month is Tesla's planned $20 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility in TX, part of a broader wave of industrial capital investment concentrated in Indiana, Texas, Ohio, Alabama, and Michigan. Across all 149 new industrial manufacturing projects, decision-makers are actively procuring equipment. <br />
<br />
The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news.<br />
<br />
Industrial Equipment Categories in Demand<br />
<br />
In the month of April, identified industrial manufacturing project managers are procuring the following equipment:<br />
<br />
* 90% - 99% compressed air, lighting, HVAC, heat exchangers, material handling / storage equipment, mechanical construction, fire protection, networking / security and lift trucks.<br />
<br />
* 80% - 89% air emissions control, manufacturing, control systems & instrumentation, conveyors, loading dock and cranes & hoists.<br />
<br />
* 70% - 79% packaging equipment<br />
<br />
* 50% - 59% floor coatings<br />
<br />
* 40% - 49% building construction<br />
<br />
* 20% - 29% building renovations<br />
<br />
* 10% - 19% equipment relocation<br />
<br />
Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Location (Top 10 States)<br />
Indiana - 12<br />
Texas - 11<br />
Ohio - 9<br />
Alabama - 8<br />
California - 8<br />
Michigan - 8<br />
Pennsylvania - 8<br />
Illinois - 7<br />
Iowa - 7<br />
New York - 7<br />
Georgia - 6<br />
<br />
Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Type<br />
Manufacturing/Production Facilities - 139 New Projects<br />
Distribution and Industrial Warehouse - 76 New Projects<br />
<br />
Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Scope/Activity<br />
New Construction - 52 New Projects<br />
Expansion - 35 New Projects<br />
Renovations/Equipment Upgrades - 68 New Projects<br />
Plant Closings - 14 New Projects<br />
<br />
Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects<br />
<br />
ALABAMA:<br />
Automotive mfr. is planning to invest $4 billion for the expansion of their manufacturing facility in VANCE, AL. They are currently seeking approval for the project.<br />
<br />
VIRGINIA: <br />
Defense contractor is planning to invest $1.3 billion for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in CULPEPER, VA. They are currently seeking approval for the project.<br />
<br />
ALABAMA: <br />
Electronic component mfr. is planning to invest $500 million for the construction of a 540,000 sf manufacturing, research, and office facility in GUNTERSVILLE, AL. They are currently seeking approval for the project.<br />
<br />
SOUTH CAROLINA:<br />
Solar panel mfr. is planning to invest $350 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 620,000 sf manufacturing facility at 1200 Commerce Blvd. in LAURENS, SC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for Spring 2027.<br />
<br />
IOWA:<br />
Kitchen appliance mfr. is planning to invest $196 million for the expansion of their manufacturing facility in CEDAR RAPIDS, IA by 230,000 sf. They have recently received approval for the project.<br />
<br />
<br />
ILLINOIS:<br />
Bathroom products mfr. is planning for the construction of a 600,000 sf manufacturing, distribution, and office facility in LIBERTYVILLE, IL. They are currently seeking approval for the project and will consolidate their operations upon completion.<br />
<br />
MICHIGAN:<br />
Automotive component mfr. is planning to invest $87 million for the construction of a manufacturing facility in AUBURN HILLS, MI. They are currently seeking approval for the project.<br />
<br />
WEST VIRGINIA:<br />
Medical device mfr. is planning to invest $81 million for a 65,000 sf expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in LESAGE, WV. They are currently seeking approval for the project.<br />
<br />
OHIO:<br />
Home appliance mfr. is planning to invest $60 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 253,000 sf manufacturing facility at 1775 Progress Drive in PERRYSBURG, OH. They are currently seeking approval for the project.<br />
<br />
NEBRASKA:<br />
Construction and farming equipment mfr. is expanding and planning to invest $50 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in GRAND ISLAND, NE. They are currently seeking approval for the project.<br />
<br />
Largest Planned Project<br />
<br />
During the month of April, our research team identified 13 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. <br />
<br />
The largest project is owned by Tesla, Inc., who is planning to invest $20 billion for the construction of a semiconductor manufacturing facility in AUSTIN, TX. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2028.<br />
<br />
About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc.<br />
<br />
Since 1959, Industrial SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence, IMI identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team. Visit us at https://salesleadsinc.com/.<br />
<br />
Each month, our team provides hundreds of industrial reports within a variety of industries.<br />
<br />
Learn more:<br />
* https://www.salesleadsinc.com/data-solutions/industrial-project-reports/ <br />
* https://www.salesleadsinc.com/blog/ <br />
</p><p>News Source: Industrial SalesLeads Inc</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.salesleadsinc.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.salesleadsinc.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/20-billion-tesla-semiconductor-plant-headlines-149-new-industrial-capital-projects/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/20-billion-tesla-semiconductor-plant-headlines-149-new-industrial-capital-projects/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0512-s2p-sleads-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>&#8216;What Remains After&#8217; by Pauline J. Grabia Explores Trauma, Memory, and the Long Road to Healing</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/what-remains-after-by-pauline-j-grabia-explores-trauma-memory-and-the-long-road-to-healing/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tellwell Publishing</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Books and Publishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canada Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ontario Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Product Launches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[suspense-thriller]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ WELLAND, Ontario, Canada ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ Tellwell Publishing ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/jNDAc</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[WELLAND, Ontario, Canada, May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Released by Tellwell Publishing, "What Remains After" by Pauline J. Grabia (ISBN: 978-1834384511) is a literary psychological suspense novel that examines the lasting impact of childhood trauma, the fragility of memory, and the difficult path toward forgiveness and survival.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0512-s2p-wrafter-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="&#039;What Remains After&#039; by Pauline J. Grabia Explores Trauma, Memory, and the Long Road to Healing" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>WELLAND, Ontario, Canada, May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Released by Tellwell Publishing, "What Remains After" by Pauline J. Grabia (ISBN: 978-1834384511) is a literary psychological suspense novel that examines the lasting impact of childhood trauma, the fragility of memory, and the difficult path toward forgiveness and survival.<br />
<br />
In "What Remains After," readers meet Beth Clark, a woman returning to her rural Alberta hometown after decades away, following the death of her estranged mother. What begins as a quiet funeral quickly reveals itself to be something far more complicated, as carefully constructed narratives begin to unravel. Inside the abandoned bungalow of her childhood, Beth discovers objects that challenge the sanitized version of her past-forcing her to confront memories of abuse, neglect, and systemic failure.<br />
<br />
When Beth's younger brother is critically injured in a sudden accident, the present collides with the past. As she keeps vigil at his hospital bedside, Beth is drawn back into the defining summer of her youth-a time marked by violence, silence, and the unexpected refuge of a foster family whose quiet compassion offered a glimpse of safety and hope.<br />
<br />
Told across dual timelines, "What Remains After" is a deeply reflective novel that explores belief and betrayal, the moral consequences of silence, and the enduring question of what it truly means to forgive. It challenges readers to consider what remains when the truth is finally spoken-and whether healing is possible after profound harm.<br />
<br />
Author Pauline J. Grabia is a Canadian novelist whose work centers on trauma, memory, faith, and the complexities of human resilience. Writing under the Stories of Consequence banner, she is committed to telling stories that confront difficult truths without sensationalism while still seeking light and meaning.<br />
<br />
Originally conceived as a short story, "What Remains After" evolved into a full-length novel through a deeply personal and cathartic writing process. While not autobiographical, Grabia draws from lived experiences and the stories of others to shape a narrative that speaks to both the devastation of abuse and the possibility of grace and healing. <br />
<br />
"I wanted to show that abuse and neglect do not have to be the end," she explains. "There is hope to be found, even in the darkest times."<br />
<br />
"What Remains After" is now available through major book retailers and online platforms.<br />
<br />
BOOK DETAILS:<br />
<br />
Title: "What Remains After"<br />
<br />
Author: Pauline J. Grabia<br />
<br />
ISBN-13: 9781834384511<br />
<br />
Publisher: Tellwell Publishing ( https://tellwell.ca/ )<br />
<br />
Contact: authorpress[@]tellwell.ca<br />
<br />
Genre: Literary Psychological Suspense<br />
<br />
Website: https://paulinejgrabia.com/ <br />
<br />
Buy Link: https://amazon.com/dp/1834384516<br />
</p><p>News Source: Tellwell Publishing</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.tellwellpublishing.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.tellwellpublishing.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/what-remains-after-by-pauline-j-grabia-explores-trauma-memory-and-the-long-road-to-healing/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/what-remains-after-by-pauline-j-grabia-explores-trauma-memory-and-the-long-road-to-healing/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0512-s2p-wrafter-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>Optimal Blue report: Purchase demand holds firm as April lock activity cools</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-report-purchase-demand-holds-firm-as-april-lock-activity-cools/</link>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 10:00:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Optimal Blue</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Plano Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reports and Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DepthPR]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ PLANO, Texas ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ Optimal Blue ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/de8t3</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[PLANO, Texas, May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today released its April 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage lock activity pulled back after a strong first quarter. Total rate-lock volume declined 9% month over month (MoM) but remained 11% higher year over year (YoY). Purchase lock volume declined just under 2% from March but increased more than 9% from April 2025, continuing to lead production as refinance activity cooled.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0512-s2p-opblue0526-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Optimal Blue&#039;s April 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>PLANO, Texas, May 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Optimal Blue today released its April 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, which found that mortgage lock activity pulled back after a strong first quarter. Total rate-lock volume declined 9% month over month (MoM) but remained 11% higher year over year (YoY). Purchase lock volume declined just under 2% from March but increased more than 9% from April 2025, continuing to lead production as refinance activity cooled. <br />
<br />
Rate-and-term refinance volume fell nearly 38% MoM but remained more than 22% higher YoY, while cash-out refinance volume declined 12% MoM but was up 11% YoY. Refinance share slipped to 23% of total volume, down from March but still above year-ago levels.<br />
<br />
Mortgage rates remained elevated throughout April but finished slightly lower by month-end. The Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) 30-year conforming fixed rate, the benchmark for CME Group's Mortgage Rate futures, ended the month at 6.31%, down 4 basis points (bps) MoM. The 10-year Treasury yield finished April at 4.40%, up 10 bps MoM, while the spread between the 10-year Treasury and the 30-year mortgage rate narrowed to 191 bps as mortgages outperformed.<br />
<br />
"April looks more like a cooling from a strong first quarter than a real weakening in borrower demand," said Mike Vough, senior vice president of corporate strategy at Optimal Blue. "Purchase activity held up well despite rate pressure, while refinance volume reacted more quickly to recent rate moves. That split reinforces how rate-sensitive borrowers remain, even as the spring purchase market continues to show resilience."<br />
<br />
On the secondary side, April data pointed to renewed movement toward agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) execution. Agency MBS sales increased while bulk loan sales declined, and mortgage servicing rights (MSR) values rose as higher rates reduced expected refinance activity. Investor participation also increased after holding steady for three consecutive months.<br />
<br />
"In a higher-rate environment, lenders are paying close attention to where execution value is showing up," said Vough. "The move toward agency MBS execution, combined with higher MSR values and increased investor participation, continues to prove that lenders need to evaluate all potential execution options to maximize profitability."<br />
<br />
Key findings from the Market Advantage report, derived from direct-source mortgage lock and secondary market data, include:<br />
<br />
Volume trends and market composition<br />
<br />
* Refi activity cools: Rate-and-term refinance volume fell nearly 38% MoM but remained more than 22% higher YoY, while cash-out refinance volume declined 12% MoM but rose 11% YoY. Refinance share slipped to 23% of total volume. <br />
<br />
* Purchase activity holds steady: Purchase lock volume declined just under 2% MoM but increased more than 9% YoY, continuing to lead overall production.<br />
<br />
* Conforming share drops below 50%: Conforming share fell just below 50% of total lock volume in April for the first time since Optimal Blue began tracking this metric. FHA share rose to 19%, VA increased to 13%, non-conforming declined to 17% and USDA held steady at 1%.<br />
<br />
* Non-QM share remains elevated: Non-qualified mortgages accounted for 9% of total lock volume in April, up 30 bps MoM and 233 bps YoY, with investor and bank-statement products leading expanded-guideline activity.<br />
<br />
* ARM levels remain elevated: Adjustable-rate mortgages accounted for 10% of total production, down 182 bps MoM but broadly in line with year-ago levels and well above pre-2022 norms.<br />
<br />
* Property mix shifts: Single-family homes represented 64% of production, while planned unit developments, a proxy for new construction activity, declined to 28%, down 42 bps MoM and 326 bps YoY. Condo share also declined to 6%.<br />
<br />
Rates and pricing<br />
<br />
* Mortgage rates outperform Treasuries: The OBMMI 30-year conforming fixed rate finished at 6.31%, down 4 bps MoM. Jumbo rates ended at 6.43%, VA rates at 5.90% and FHA rates at 6.06%. The 10-year Treasury increased 10 bps to 4.40%, while the mortgage-to-Treasury spread narrowed to 191 bps.<br />
<br />
* MSR values climb: MSRs rose 5 bps to 1.29%, representing a 5.16 multiple, moving in line with higher rates and lower refinance expectations.<br />
<br />
* Conventional spreads widen: Best-efforts-to-mandatory spreads increased 4 bps for conventional 30- and 15-year products, while government 30-year spreads decreased 3 bps.<br />
<br />
* Lower-tier sales increase: Loans sold to the fourth or lower price tier increased 89 bps to 5%, while third-tier share increased 21 bps.<br />
<br />
Channel and execution<br />
<br />
* Agency MBS share increases: Hedged loan sales to agency MBS rose 354 bps to 44%, marking a shift toward securitization executions.<br />
<br />
* Bulk executions decline: Bulk loan sales decreased 257 bps to 25%.<br />
<br />
* Investor count rises: Investor participation increased to 15 in April after holding at 14 for the prior three months.<br />
<br />
Product mix and borrower profiles<br />
<br />
* First-time buyers maintain purchase presence: First-time homebuyer share remained nearly flat in April but continued to represent a meaningful share of purchase activity, accounting for 47% of conforming purchase locks, 70% of FHA purchase locks and 45% of VA purchase locks.<br />
<br />
* DTI ratios remain stable: Purchase debt-to-income ratios improved YoY, with conforming at 36.2%, FHA at 43.5% and VA at 42.7%.<br />
<br />
* Credit quality holds firm: The average purchase credit score held at 735, unchanged from March. By product, conforming borrowers averaged 753, FHA borrowers averaged 676 and VA borrowers averaged 716.<br />
<br />
* Pull-through rates improve: Purchase pull-through rose to just over 82%, up 208 bps MoM but down 58 bps YoY. Refinance pull-through increased to just under 79%, up 356 bps MoM and 1,381 bps YoY.<br />
<br />
* Loan amounts decline: The average loan amount was $394,046, down from $401,100 in March and $404,586 in February. The average loan-to-value ratio (LTV) was 81.64%. Loan amounts ranged from $888,871 in greater San Francisco to $302,493 in Cincinnati, while regional LTVs ranged from 71.23% in the Bay Area to 89.05% in San Antonio.<br />
<br />
To view the full April 2026 Market Advantage report, complete the free subscription form: https://engage.optimalblue.com/market-advantage.<br />
<br />
Subscribers receive a report PDF each month with the latest data. Members of the press are eligible for special, advance access each month and should contact Alexandra Kreuter to be added to the media list. <br />
<br />
About the Market Advantage Report<br />
<br />
Optimal Blue issues the Market Advantage mortgage report each month to provide insight into U.S. mortgage trends and drivers of lending profitability. Data is sourced from the Optimal Blue PPE, which is used to price and lock more than one-third of all mortgages nationwide, and Optimal Blue's hedging and loan trading system, which supports approximately 40% of loans hedged and sold into the secondary market. As the leader in mortgage capital markets technology, Optimal Blue has a direct view of both origination and secondary market activity and the interconnectedness of the two. Unlike self-reported survey data, Optimal Blue's direct-source data accurately reflect the in-process loans in lenders' pipelines and secondary market executions. Visit Optimal Blue's website to subscribe to receive the free report each month.<br />
<br />
Nothing herein shall be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging or financial advice. <br />
<br />
About Optimal Blue<br />
<br />
Optimal Blue powers profitability across the mortgage capital markets ecosystem. As the industry's only end-to-end capital markets platform, our technology, data and integrations bridge the primary and secondary markets to help lenders of all sizes maximize performance - from pricing accuracy to margin protection and every step in between. Backed by over 20 years of proven expertise, our modern, cloud-native technology delivers the real-time automation, actionable data and seamless connectivity lenders need to navigate market volatility and scale for growth. To learn more about how Optimal Blue delivers measurable ROI, visit https://OptimalBlue.com.<br />
</p><p>News Source: Optimal Blue</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www2.optimalblue.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www2.optimalblue.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-report-purchase-demand-holds-firm-as-april-lock-activity-cools/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/optimal-blue-report-purchase-demand-holds-firm-as-april-lock-activity-cools/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0512-s2p-opblue0526-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>FirstClose introduces SmartDocs disclosure automation through its point-of-sale platform</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-introduces-smartdocs-disclosure-automation-through-its-point-of-sale-platform/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 19:05:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>FirstClose</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[FinTech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Austin Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Product Launches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DepthPR]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ AUSTIN, Texas ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ FirstClose ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/FaSB6</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[AUSTIN, Texas, May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FirstClose&#x2122;, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced SmartDocs, a new disclosure intelligence capability available through its XpressEquity point-of-sale platform. SmartDocs functions as the intelligence layer that determines when disclosure obligations begin and initiates the appropriate workflow based on lender-configured rules, helping standardize timing and delivery across programs and jurisdictions.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/25-0929-s2p-firstclose-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="FirstClose logo" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>AUSTIN, Texas, May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FirstClose&#x2122;, a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced SmartDocs, a new disclosure intelligence capability available through its XpressEquity point-of-sale platform. SmartDocs functions as the intelligence layer that determines when disclosure obligations begin and initiates the appropriate workflow based on lender-configured rules, helping standardize timing and delivery across programs and jurisdictions.<br />
<br />
"Initial disclosures are some of the most critical and operationally complex steps in the home equity process," said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. "SmartDocs enables lenders to deliver disclosures faster, reduce operational burden and help mitigate compliance risk, while giving borrowers a smoother experience from application to decision."<br />
<br />
MeridianLink Consumer is among the first loan origination systems integrated with SmartDocs. Through the integration, lenders using MeridianLink Consumer and MeridianLink Document Mapping can automate the generation and delivery of initial disclosures and adverse action notices based on lender-defined rules tied to application status, product type and property location. <br />
<br />
In addition to automating disclosure delivery, the feature automatically provides applicants with a HUD-approved list of housing counselors relevant to the property's ZIP code, helping lenders meet regulatory requirements without requiring loan officers or processors to generate or manage counselor lists manually. By reducing manual monitoring and standardizing disclosure triggers earlier in the lifecycle, SmartDocs is designed to help lenders create a more consistent experience across teams while keeping borrower communications moving on schedule.<br />
<br />
"Making MeridianLink one of the first systems supported was a natural step, because it allows lenders to carry consistent disclosure logic from application intake into early borrower communications," Smith added. "The goal is fewer manual checks, fewer delays and a more predictable process for both staff and borrowers."<br />
<br />
About FirstClose<br />
<br />
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide. The company's mission is to increase profitability and reduce costs for mortgage lenders. FirstClose makes this possible through offering systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist their borrowers more effectively, reduce closing costs, and ultimately shorten closing times. For more information, visit https://firstclose.com.</p><p>News Source: FirstClose</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.firstclose.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.firstclose.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-introduces-smartdocs-disclosure-automation-through-its-point-of-sale-platform/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-introduces-smartdocs-disclosure-automation-through-its-point-of-sale-platform/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/25-0929-s2p-firstclose-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>The UPSHOT League Announces Inaugural Team Rosters Ahead of Historic Opening Season</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-upshot-league-announces-inaugural-team-rosters-ahead-of-historic-opening-season/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 18:30:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The UPSHOT League</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Basketball]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jacksonville Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports and Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women's basketball]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ JACKSONVILLE, Fla. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ The UPSHOT League ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/Qiwvk</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The UPSHOT League today announced the official rosters for its four founding franchises - the Jacksonville WAVES, Savannah STEEL, Charlotte CROWN, and Greensboro GROOVE - featuring more than 40 athletes with WNBA, international, and elite NCAA experience. The UPSHOT League tips off its inaugural season on May 15.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0313-s2p-upshot-league-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="The UPSHOT League" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The UPSHOT League today announced the official rosters for its four founding franchises - the Jacksonville WAVES, Savannah STEEL, Charlotte CROWN, and Greensboro GROOVE - featuring more than 40 athletes with WNBA, international, and elite NCAA experience. <br />
<br />
"The depth of talent across the league reflects a powerful moment for the women's game," said Donna Orender. "These athletes bring championship pedigrees, professionalism, and global experience to our inaugural season." <br />
<br />
Across the league, rosters feature WNBA draft selections and training camp players, international professionals across multiple continents, NCAA Tournament veterans, conference champions, and standout performers from the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and other premier programs. <br />
<br />
:: JACKSONVILLE WAVES <br />
<br />
Roster Snapshot <br />
<br />
Six players bring WNBA experience through draft selections, training camps, or professional affiliations, while eight have competed internationally across Europe and global leagues. The roster also includes NCAA Tournament veterans and multiple All-Conference <br />
<br />
honorees from major programs including Tennessee, Maryland, LSU, Alabama, and West Virginia. <br />
<br />
Roster <br />
Ariel Hearn (G, Memphis) <br />
Jasmine Walker (F, Alabama) <br />
Lindsey Pulliam (G, Northwestern) <br />
Brianna Turnage (F, Georgia Tech) <br />
Emma Von Essen (G, Hofstra) <br />
Khayla Pointer (G, LSU) <br />
Madison Griggs (G, Memphis) <br />
Shyanne Sellers (G, Maryland) <br />
Taylor Soule (G, Virginia Tech) <br />
Rennia Davis (G/F, Tennessee) <br />
Adut Bulgak (C, Florida State) <br />
<br />
:: SAVANNAH STEEL <br />
<br />
Roster Snapshot <br />
<br />
The STEEL feature athletes from nationally recognized programs including Louisville, Tennessee, Harvard, and SEC and ACC schools. Several players earned All-Conference recognition or led their teams statistically, while the roster emphasizes perimeter scoring, defensive intensity, and positional flexibility. <br />
<br />
Roster:<br />
Iyana Moore, (G, Notre Dame)<br />
Sydney Shaw, (G, West Virginia)<br />
Megan McConnell, (G, Duquesne)<br />
Zee Spearman, (F, Tennessee)<br />
Harmoni Turner, (G, Harvard)<br />
Lasha Petree, (G, Purdue)<br />
Ariel Colón (G, FIU)<br />
Lauryn Taylor, (G, FGCU)<br />
Quanniecia "Que" Morrison, (G, Georgia)<br />
Kharyssa Richardson, (F, Mississippi State)<br />
Olivia Cochran, (F, Louisville)<br />
<br />
:: CHARLOTTE CROWN <br />
<br />
Roster Snapshot <br />
<br />
The Charlotte CROWN enter the inaugural UPSHOT League season with one of the most recognizable backcourts in the league, led by Asia "AD" Durr and Deja Kelly. The roster blends elite guard play, frontcourt size, and championship experience across multiple power conferences. <br />
<br />
Charlotte features multiple players with WNBA experience, training camp exposure, or professional affiliations. The roster includes athletes from the ACC, SEC, Big 12, and Pac-12, and is anchored by elite scoring guards, versatile forwards, and experienced interior presence. <br />
<br />
Roster:<br />
Dazia Lawrence (G, Kentucky) <br />
Quinzia Fulmore (C, Elon) <br />
Reigan Richardson (G, Duke) <br />
E'lisia Grissett (F, South Carolina) <br />
Deja Kelly (PG, Oregon) <br />
Asia "AD" Durr (G, Louisville) <br />
Diamond McDowell (F, Anderson) <br />
Emer Nichols (C, Texas A&M) <br />
Jasmyne Roberts (G, Miami) <br />
Eboni Walker (F, Ohio State) <br />
Chloe Welch (G, Saint Joseph's) <br />
<br />
:: GREENSBORO GROOVE <br />
<br />
The Greensboro GROOVE open the season with a roster centered around elite guard play, championship pedigree, and frontcourt size. Led by Diamond Johnson and Christyn Williams, the group blends explosive scoring, defensive versatility, and high-level collegiate success.  <br />
<br />
Greensboro features athletes from elite programs including UConn, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, and Colorado. Multiple players bring NCAA Tournament experience, All-Conference honors, and professional or international exposure, combining perimeter firepower with interior strength. <br />
<br />
Roster: <br />
Diamond Johnson (PG, Norfolk State) <br />
Sonya Morris (G, Texas) <br />
Kamaria McDaniel (G, Michigan State) <br />
Jessica Timmons (G, Alabama) <br />
Christyn Williams (G, UConn) <br />
Sahara Jones (G/F, Texas A&M) <br />
Tayanna Jones Bell (G/F, Colorado) <br />
Mya Hollingshed (G/F, Colorado) <br />
Tai'Sheka Porchia (PF, Troy) <br />
Maria Gakdeng (F/C, North Carolina) <br />
Amiya Joyner (F, Colorado) <br />
<br />
The UPSHOT League tips off its inaugural season on May 15, establishing a new platform for elite women's basketball talent from across professional, international, and collegiate pathways. https://upshotleague.com/ <br />
</p><p>News Source: The UPSHOT League</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://upshotleague.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://upshotleague.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-upshot-league-announces-inaugural-team-rosters-ahead-of-historic-opening-season/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-upshot-league-announces-inaugural-team-rosters-ahead-of-historic-opening-season/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0313-s2p-upshot-league-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>UPSHOT League Announces Founding Partners for Jacksonville Waves Ahead of Inaugural Season</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/upshot-league-announces-founding-partners-for-jacksonville-waves-ahead-of-inaugural-season/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 13:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The UPSHOT League</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Alliances and Partnerships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Basketball]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jacksonville Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports and Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women in sports]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ JACKSONVILLE, Fla. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ The UPSHOT League ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/DSyBv</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The UPSHOT League on Tuesday announced its founding corporate partners supporting the launch of the Jacksonville Waves, marking a significant milestone in the buildout of the league's inaugural season and its mission to elevate women's professional basketball through community-driven investment and innovation.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0511-s2p-upshot-league-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="The UPSHOT League" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The UPSHOT League on Tuesday announced its founding corporate partners supporting the launch of the Jacksonville Waves, marking a significant milestone in the buildout of the league's inaugural season and its mission to elevate women's professional basketball through community-driven investment and innovation.<br />
<br />
The league's founding partners include CSI Companies; ACUVUE, the world's leading§ contact lens brand from Johnson & Johnson, and Florida Blue.<br />
<br />
These partnerships reflect a growing commitment from leading national and regional organizations to invest in women's professional sports, community health, and the long-term development of elite women's athletics.<br />
<br />
"Sports teaches discipline, resilience, and the value of working toward a shared goal," said Josh Bowling, CFO, CSI Companies. "Basketball has had a profound impact in my life, and I've seen firsthand how the game helps shape leadership and builds character. Being a founding partner of the Waves' inaugural season is an exciting opportunity for CSI to support women's sports while investing in something that will inspire our community for years to come."<br />
<br />
Co-founder and Commissioner Donna Orender emphasized the broader significance of these early partnerships:<br />
<br />
"Founding partners are more than simply sponsors-they are builders of the future of women's professional sports. Each of these organizations understands the power of alignment with a league that is rooted in community impact, elite competition, and long-term growth. Their support signals confidence not just in the UPSHOT League, but in the athletes, cities, and fans who will define this next era."<br />
<br />
The Jacksonville Waves represent one of four inaugural franchises in the UPSHOT League's first season, alongside teams in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Savannah. The league is designed to blend high-performance basketball with strong regional identity, corporate partnership integration, and year-round community engagement.<br />
<br />
The addition of founding partners provides early infrastructure support across brand development, health and wellness initiatives, and community programming that will extend well beyond the court.<br />
<br />
About UPSHOT League<br />
<br />
The Upshot League is a premier women's professional basketball league built on elite competition, player opportunity, and community connection. With a foundation rooted in high-level talent and global experience, the league aims to redefine the professional landscape while expanding opportunities for women's basketball in the United States. https://upshotleague.com/<br />
<br />
References: <br />
§ Source Euromonitor International Limited; Eyewear 2025 edition; value sales at rsp, all retail channels, 2023 data; "ACUVUE&#xae; family of brands" represents aggregated sales of the following brands: 1-day ACUVUE&#xae;, ACUVUE&#xae; OASYS, ACUVUE&#xae; VITA&#xae;, and ACUVUE&#xae; 2.</p><p>News Source: The UPSHOT League</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://upshotleague.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://upshotleague.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/upshot-league-announces-founding-partners-for-jacksonville-waves-ahead-of-inaugural-season/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/upshot-league-announces-founding-partners-for-jacksonville-waves-ahead-of-inaugural-season/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0511-s2p-upshot-league-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>California&#8217;s Response to Ferret Lawsuit Raises Questions About Agency Authority and Petition Rights</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/californias-response-to-ferret-lawsuit-raises-questions-about-agency-authority-and-petition-rights/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Legalize Ferrets</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Pets and Veterinary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legal and Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Diego Business]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ LA MESA, Calif. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ Legalize Ferrets ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/Ccavn</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[LA MESA, Calif., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- LegalizeFerrets.org says a new phase has emerged in California's long-running ferret controversy after the California Fish and Game Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife filed demurrers in response to a lawsuit involving Petition 2025-003 - a citizen petition seeking reconsideration of California's classification of domestic ferrets as restricted animals.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0511-s2p-legalizeferrt-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="California&#039;s response to the Petition 2025-003 lawsuit is raising questions about whether agencies may indefinitely delay citizen petitions - and whether the Fish and Game Commission believes it possesses authority to legalize ferrets." decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>LA MESA, Calif., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- LegalizeFerrets.org says a new phase has emerged in California's long-running ferret controversy after the California Fish and Game Commission and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife filed demurrers in response to a lawsuit involving Petition 2025-003 - a citizen petition seeking reconsideration of California's classification of domestic ferrets as restricted animals.<br />
<br />
The lawsuit, filed in Sacramento Superior Court, centers on whether California agencies may indefinitely leave formally accepted citizen petitions under "further consideration" without issuing a meaningful determination.<br />
<br />
But the State's response has also raised an additional issue.<br />
<br />
According to the filings, the State appears to leave open the argument that the Fish and Game Commission may not possess authority to legalize ferrets through regulation - despite California having treated ferret legalization for decades as a regulatory matter handled through the Commission process.<br />
<br />
"For years, Californians were told ferret legalization had to go through the Fish and Game Commission," said Pat Wright of LegalizeFerrets.org. "Now the State appears to be suggesting the Commission may not even possess authority to do what it has spent decades reviewing, debating, and processing through regulatory channels."<br />
<br />
Petition 2025-003 was formally accepted by the Commission for "further consideration" in June 2025 and referred to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for review and recommendation.<br />
<br />
After months passed without an apparent substantive decision, Public Records Act requests were submitted seeking records showing what evaluation work had been performed. The responses to those requests ultimately contributed to the filing of the writ lawsuit now before the court.<br />
<br />
The State's demurrer argues that the Commission satisfied its obligations under California's Administrative Procedure Act (APA) by accepting the petition, discussing it publicly, and referring it internally for further review.<br />
<br />
Supporters of the petition argue that such an interpretation risks undermining the practical purpose of California's petition process.<br />
<br />
"If agencies can indefinitely refer petitions internally without producing meaningful outcomes, Californians have a right to ask what the petition process actually guarantees," Wright said.<br />
<br />
The dispute also highlights language already contained within California regulations. Title 14, Section 671 states:<br />
<br />
"The California Fish and Game Commission has determined the below listed animals are not normally domesticated in this state."<br />
<br />
The regulation includes the Mustelidae family, which includes ferrets.<br />
<br />
Supporters argue that language raises a central question: if the Commission possessed authority to determine ferrets were "not normally domesticated," why would it lack authority to revisit or reconsider that determination?<br />
<br />
The court is not currently deciding whether ferrets should be legalized in California. The immediate issue before the court is whether the lawsuit may proceed and whether California agencies must provide meaningful responses to formally accepted petitions for regulatory change.<br />
<br />
Additional background and analysis regarding the lawsuit and the State's filing are available at:<br />
<br />
https://www.legalizeferrets.org/california-ferret-legalization-lawsuit/<br />
<br />
About LegalizeFerrets.org<br />
<br />
LegalizeFerrets.org is an advocacy organization focused on educating the public about domestic ferrets and pursuing regulatory and legal efforts related to California's long-standing ferret restrictions.</p><p>News Source: Legalize Ferrets</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.legalizeferrets.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.legalizeferrets.org/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/californias-response-to-ferret-lawsuit-raises-questions-about-agency-authority-and-petition-rights/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/californias-response-to-ferret-lawsuit-raises-questions-about-agency-authority-and-petition-rights/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0511-s2p-legalizeferrt-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>Art Unlimited Rebrands as A-Squared Marketing, Signaling Bold New Era in Digital and AI-Driven Strategy</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/art-unlimited-rebrands-as-a-squared-marketing-signaling-bold-new-era-in-digital-and-ai-driven-strategy/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 11:00:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>A-Squared Marketing</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Advertising and Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minnesota Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rebranding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO agency]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ COOK, Minn. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ A-Squared Marketing ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/nKdE4</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[COOK, Minn., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Art Unlimited, a full-service marketing agency, today announced it is officially rebranding as A-Squared Marketing, effective immediately. The new name reflects a sharpened strategic focus and an expanded suite of services - including cutting-edge AI-enabled search optimization - while honoring the agency's long-standing commitment to results-driven marketing.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0611-s2p-a-squared-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="A-Squared Marketing" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>COOK, Minn., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Art Unlimited, a full-service marketing agency, today announced it is officially rebranding as A-Squared Marketing, effective immediately. The new name reflects a sharpened strategic focus and an expanded suite of services - including cutting-edge AI-enabled search optimization - while honoring the agency's long-standing commitment to results-driven marketing.<br />
<br />
"This rebrand is more than a new name. It's a declaration of who we are today and where we're headed," said Anna Anderson, Owner of A-Squared Marketing. "Every word in our new name carries meaning. 'A-Squared' stands for Authentic and Accelerator - the two principles that drive everything we do for our clients."<br />
<br />
A NAME WITH PURPOSE: AUTHENTIC + ACCELERATOR<br />
<br />
The "A-Squared" identity is anchored in two pillars that define the agency's culture and client approach.<br />
<br />
Authentic: A-Squared Marketing builds genuine relationships grounded in transparency and trust. From strategy to execution, the team delivers honest solutions that create meaningful, lasting impact for every client.<br />
<br />
Accelerator: As a marketing accelerator, the agency drives progress through agility, innovation, and smart execution. The team works smarter, listens with fresh ears, embraces new tools and technologies, and rigorously tests and validates every strategy to produce proven, scalable results.<br />
<br />
EXPANDED FEATURES<br />
<br />
As part of the rebrand, A-Squared Marketing is introducing two new features to its clients that reflect the evolving demands of today's digital landscape:<br />
<br />
* AEO & GEO Optimization for AI-Enabled Search: As artificial intelligence reshapes how consumers find information, A-Squared Marketing now offers specialized optimization for Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) - ensuring clients are visible and authoritative wherever AI-powered search is shaping buying decisions.<br />
<br />
* Dashboard Reporting & Strategy: Clients will now have access to customized performance dashboards that deliver real-time visibility into campaign results, enabling faster, more data-informed strategic decisions.<br />
<br />
These offerings complement the agency's full portfolio of marketing solutions, which includes:<br />
<br />
* Search Engine Optimization (SEO)<br />
<br />
* Paid Advertising<br />
<br />
* Content Marketing & Blogging<br />
<br />
* Website Services<br />
<br />
* Persona Blueprints<br />
<br />
"The marketing landscape is changing faster than ever, and our clients deserve an agency that doesn't just keep up, but leads the way," added Anderson. "Adding AI-driven search optimization and strategic dashboard reporting reflects our commitment to delivering tools and insights that genuinely move the needle."<br />
<br />
CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS AND OPERATIONS CONTINUE SEAMLESSLY<br />
<br />
All existing client engagements, contracts, and points of contact remain in place. The rebrand represents an evolution of the agency's identity and capabilities, not a disruption. To discover how the new A-Squared Marketing can support your business goals, visit https://www.a2marketing.com/ or contact us today for more information.<br />
<br />
About A-Squared Marketing<br />
<br />
A-Squared Marketing (formerly Art Unlimited) is a marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses grow through authentic strategy and accelerated execution. With expertise spanning SEO/AEO/GEO, paid advertising, content marketing, and data-driven reporting, the agency partners with clients to deliver measurable, meaningful results. Learn more at a2marketing.com.</p><p>News Source: A-Squared Marketing</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.a2marketing.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.a2marketing.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/art-unlimited-rebrands-as-a-squared-marketing-signaling-bold-new-era-in-digital-and-ai-driven-strategy/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/art-unlimited-rebrands-as-a-squared-marketing-signaling-bold-new-era-in-digital-and-ai-driven-strategy/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0611-s2p-a-squared-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>Pillar To Post Home Inspectors Honors Greater Augusta Owner Jeremiah Adell Jr. with Rookie of the Year Distinction</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/pillar-to-post-home-inspectors-honors-greater-augusta-owner-jeremiah-adell-jr-with-rookie-of-the-year-distinction/</link>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 09:45:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Pillar To Post Home Inspectors</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Georgia Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Awards and Honors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ AUGUSTA, Ga. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ Pillar To Post Home Inspectors ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/CqLRS</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[AUGUSTA, Ga., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Pillar To Post&#xae; Home Inspectors has named Jeremiah Adell Jr., owner of Pillar To Post of Greater Augusta, its 2025 Rookie of the Year, an award presented recently in 2026 to recognize outstanding overall performance based on sales, market growth and contribution to the brand.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0511-s2p-ptp-rookie-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="(L-R) Charles Furlough, President &amp; CEO of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors; Jeremiah Adell, 2025 Rookie of the Year; Deron Ellis, Vice President of Field Operations." decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>AUGUSTA, Ga., May 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Pillar To Post&#xae; Home Inspectors has named Jeremiah Adell Jr., owner of Pillar To Post of Greater Augusta, its 2025 Rookie of the Year, an award presented recently in 2026 to recognize outstanding overall performance based on sales, market growth and contribution to the brand. <br />
<br />
Adell, a retired U.S. Army captain, launched his business in January 2024 and quickly distinguished himself across the Pillar To Post network through powerful performance, perseverance, and a deep commitment to serving his community.<br />
<br />
After 22 years in the military, Adell entered business ownership with many of the same qualities that shaped his Army career: leadership, discipline, accountability, and resilience. Originally from Rochester, New York, he enlisted just before 9/11 and later earned a business degree from Texas A&M University-Central Texas before commissioning as a Signal Officer. Over the course of his military career, he developed organizational, communication and critical thinking skills that would help prepare him for franchise ownership.<br />
<br />
Before retiring from the Army in September 2023, Adell researched the home inspection industry and selected Pillar To Post Home Inspectors because of its established systems, powerful reputation, and service-oriented approach. He now serves homebuyers, sellers and real estate professionals across Richmond, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, Jefferson, and Burke counties, as well as the broader Greater Augusta region.<br />
<br />
"Adversity doesn't stop you - it strengthens you," said Adell. "In the Army, you learn to push through and lead through uncertainty. That same mindset carried over to business ownership."<br />
<br />
His first year in business was marked by several challenges, including a torn bicep and the disruption caused by Hurricane Helene. Rather than lose momentum, Adell adapted. Collaborating with a local roofer, he began conducting post-storm roof inspections for displaced homeowners and veterans while continuing to build his business.<br />
<br />
Adell's success has also been supported by his wife, Maria, a disabled Army veteran and his partner of 17 years. When his injury limited his ability to work, she stepped in to help with inspections and later took on marketing and Realtor outreach, helping the business strengthen local relationships and expand its presence in the market.<br />
<br />
"We believed in the brand, trusted the process and kept trying until success came," said Maria Adell. "Our goal wasn't just to inspect houses - it was to build trust and help families make confident home decisions."<br />
<br />
In addition to operating the business, Adell remains deeply involved in service. He volunteers as Properties & Structural Integrity Director for The Grace Project, a nonprofit that provides housing for homeless veterans, and serves as Associate Pastor for Reconcile Christian Ministries in Augusta.<br />
<br />
The Rookie of the Year award is open to franchise business owners with new agreements who launched between November 2023 and October 2024. Adell's first-year results, leadership and contributions to the brand made him stand out among that group.<br />
<br />
Learn more about Pillar To Post of Greater Augusta: https://theadellteam.pillartopost.com/ <br />
<br />
About Pillar To Post&#xae; Home Inspectors <br />
<br />
Founded in 1994, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is the largest home inspection company in North America with home offices in Toronto and Tampa. There are over 350 franchises located across the United States and Canada and 85,000 5-Star Google Reviews on record to date. For further information, please visit https://pillartopost.com/ <br />
</p><p>News Source: Pillar To Post Home Inspectors</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://pillartopost.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://pillartopost.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/pillar-to-post-home-inspectors-honors-greater-augusta-owner-jeremiah-adell-jr-with-rookie-of-the-year-distinction/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/pillar-to-post-home-inspectors-honors-greater-augusta-owner-jeremiah-adell-jr-with-rookie-of-the-year-distinction/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0511-s2p-ptp-rookie-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>HitPaw VikPea V5.3.0 is Launched with Video Beauty, New AI Generative Models, and Next-Gen Video Generators</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/hitpaw-vikpea-v5-3-0-is-launched-with-video-beauty-new-ai-generative-models-and-next-gen-video-generators/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 16:10:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>HitPaw</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Artificial Intelligence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ NEW YORK, N.Y. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ HitPaw ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/6ERLK</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[NEW YORK, N.Y., May 8, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- HitPaw, a leading innovator in multimedia software solutions, today announced the release of HitPaw VikPea V5.3.0, the latest update to its AI-powered video enhancement and generation platform. This release introduces a high-precision background removal model, a new video beauty module, upgraded AI generative models, and enhanced video generation with Kling 3.0 and Kling V3 Omni.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0508-s2p-hitpaw-vikpea-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="HitPaw VikPea 5.3.0 new release" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>NEW YORK, N.Y., May 08, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- HitPaw, a leading innovator in multimedia software solutions, today announced the release of HitPaw VikPea V5.3.0, the latest update to its AI-powered video enhancement and generation platform. This release introduces a high-precision background removal model, a new video beauty module, upgraded AI generative models, and enhanced video generation with Kling 3.0 and Kling V3 Omni, enabling faster, smarter, and more accessible content creation for users of all levels.<br />
<br />
WHAT'S NEW IN HITPAW VIKPEA V5.3.0<br />
<br />
1 --- Video Beauty Module<br />
<br />
The new Video Beauty module integrates face enhancement, effects, and makeup into a single, easy-to-use solution. With one-click optimization, users can quickly improve the look and feel of their videos.<br />
<br />
Perfect for portrait footage and short-form content, this feature is designed for simplicity and efficiency. Even beginners can achieve polished, professional-looKling results without complex editing steps.<br />
<br />
2 --- AI Generative Models (Natural & Sharpen)<br />
<br />
HitPaw VikPea V5.3.0 introduces upgraded AI generative models with two modes: Natural and Sharpen. These models are built to enhance low-quality and older videos by restoring missing details and improving overall clarity.<br />
<br />
They are especially useful for low-resolution content below 720P, as well as legacy formats such as film and VHS. Users can choose a natural restoration style or a sharper, more defined visual output depending on their preference.<br />
<br />
3 --- Kling 3.0 & Kling V3 Omni Video Generator<br />
<br />
The new generation engine includes Kling 3.0 and Kling V3 Omni, offering significant improvements in AI video creation.<br />
<br />
Kling 3.0 focuses on smoother motion and more realistic dynamic performance, resulting in more lifelike generated videos. Kling V3 Omni expands creative possibilities with multimodal input support, allowing users to combine text, images, and audio to generate more complex and engaging content.<br />
<br />
4 --- High-Precision Background Remover<br />
<br />
The updated background remover features a high-precision model that enhances subject recognition and edge refinement. It cleanly separates subjects from complex backgrounds while preserving fine details like hair, limbs, and subtitles.<br />
<br />
This makes it ideal for a wide range of creative scenarios, including video compositing, vlogs, family videos, and portrait background replacement. Even challenging scenes can be processed with clean, accurate results.<br />
<br />
COMPATIBILITY AND PRICE<br />
<br />
HitPaw VikPea is compatible with both Windows and macOS, ensuring accessibility for creators worldwide. Users can try the new features via a free trial, or purchase the full package starting from $43.19/month.<br />
<br />
For more information: [OFFICIAL] HitPaw Video Enhancer - AI Video Enhancer: https://www.hitpaw.com/vikpea-video-enhancer.html<br />
<br />
ABOUT HITPAW<br />
<br />
HitPaw is a cutting-edge company redefining the AI editing field with innovation, creativity, efficiency, and simplicity as its core values. The company empowers millions of users worldwide with AI-powered tools for video, image, and audio editing, enhancing, and conversion. HitPaw's flagship products are trusted by content creators, marketers, and educators for their simplicity and cutting-edge technology.<br />
<br />
To know more, visit: https://www.hitpaw.com/about.html and https://www.hitpaw.com/ <br />
<br />
Our Social Media<br />
<br />
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwRggaotgiMcPbiCOsJeBA<br />
<br />
X/Twitter: https://x.com/HitPawofficial <br />
<br />
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitpawofficial/<br />
</p><p>News Source: HitPaw</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.hitpaw.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.hitpaw.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/hitpaw-vikpea-v5-3-0-is-launched-with-video-beauty-new-ai-generative-models-and-next-gen-video-generators/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/hitpaw-vikpea-v5-3-0-is-launched-with-video-beauty-new-ai-generative-models-and-next-gen-video-generators/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0508-s2p-hitpaw-vikpea-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>Glancy Wine Education Foundation Releases 2026 Impact Report, Marking Six Years of Progress in Diversifying the Wine Industry</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/glancy-wine-education-foundation-releases-2026-impact-report-marking-six-years-of-progress-in-diversifying-the-wine-industry/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 13:00:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Glancy Wine Education Foundation</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Wines and Vineyards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education and Schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food and Beverage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NonProfit and Charities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reports and Studies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Francisco Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wine education]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ Glancy Wine Education Foundation ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/rJw28</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 8, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing diversity in the wine industry through scholarships for underserved professionals, today released its 2026 Impact Report. The report details the Foundation's cumulative work since its 2020 founding and introduces newly compiled data on the demographic communities GWEF serves.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0508-s2p-glancywine-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Glancy Wine Education Foundation" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 08, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing diversity in the wine industry through scholarships for underserved professionals, today released its 2026 Impact Report. The report details the Foundation's cumulative work since its 2020 founding and introduces newly compiled data on the demographic communities GWEF serves. <br />
<br />
Since inception, GWEF has awarded 303 scholarships and distributed more than $405,000 in grants directly to its wine school partners which include the founding San Francisco Wine School, the International Wine Center in New York and the American Wine School in the Midwest. The Foundation operates with a 9% overhead - less than half the average for U.S. nonprofits - thanks to an all-volunteer board of industry leaders. GWEF holds a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.<br />
<br />
Key Findings from the 2026 Impact Report<br />
<br />
* Recipient demographics: 61% of GWEF scholarship recipients identify as non-Caucasian, 55.7% are female, 42.8% male, and 2% non-binary.<br />
<br />
* Career outcomes: 67% of recipients have received a promotion following certification, and more than one-third are currently working full-time in the wine and hospitality industries.<br />
<br />
* Earnings impact: Industry data shows that professional wine certification can yield 50-300% salary increases over a career, with sommeliers progressing from $45-60K at entry level to as much as $190K at the Master Sommelier level.<br />
<br />
* Operational efficiency: Funds flow directly to wine school partners - no administrative layers between donors and scholarship recipients. The average GWEF scholarship is $1,477.<br />
<br />
THE INDUSTRY GAP GWEF IS WORKING TO CLOSE<br />
<br />
While Black, Indigenous, and People of Color make up 40% of the U.S. population, and more than half of Americans under 18 identify as a racial or ethnic minority, the wine industry remains markedly less diverse. Fewer than 1% of U.S. wineries are Black-owned (out of more than 11,000 total), fewer than 1% of winery owners or head winemakers are people of color, and roughly 2% of Black Americans hold leadership roles in wine, according to research from the Association of African American Vintners and Pronghorn Research. Hispanic/Latino professionals - who represent 18.7% of the U.S. population - hold just 4% of Fortune 500 executive officer roles, with comparable underrepresentation across wine. Only 14% of California bonded wineries have women as lead winemakers.<br />
<br />
NEW DATA: THE AAPI OPPORTUNITY IN WINE<br />
<br />
The 2026 report introduces newly gathered insights on the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) wine consumer, according to the Asian Wine Association of America (AWAA). AAPI Americans represent 6.3% of the U.S. population but currently account for only 5% of wine consumption, even as roughly 50% of the AAPI population sits within the Millennial and Gen-X cohorts, with 39% drinking wine weekly, nearly on par with other demographics. Yet only 4% of wine industry executives identify as Asian, even as Asian markets are the fastest-growing demographic for WSET Global certification worldwide.<br />
<br />
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT<br />
<br />
"The world of wine is a celebration of diversity, and yet the industry itself has been slow to reflect that truth," said Ana Keller, GWEF Foundation President. "At a moment when wine is competing harder than ever for the attention of younger, more diverse consumers, the case for inclusion has never been more urgent. The professionals who understand those communities, who come from them, are exactly who this industry needs."<br />
<br />
Keller added: "Since 2020, we have funded more than 303 scholarships, and none of it happens without people who believe that those who will shape this industry's future deserve a real chance to get there. Every donation, at any level, goes directly to a scholarship and to someone whose career, and whose life, will be changed by it."<br />
<br />
IN THE WORDS OF RECIPIENTS<br />
<br />
"GWEF made it possible for me to receive the wine training and education I needed to become a Sommelier in a Michelin-starred restaurant," said Lily Yu, 2020 GWEF scholarship recipient and Private Event Sommelier, formerly of the sommelier team at The Modern in New York City.<br />
<br />
"Thanks to GWEF's assistance and what I learned in the WSET 3, I took over as head sommelier and was soon promoted to Wine Director. I also am a winemaker now," said Oceano Ordonez, 2021, 2023 and 2024 GWEF scholarship recipient, Wine Director at Donato Enoteca, and GWEF Emeritus Board Member.<br />
<br />
"GWEF has been a transformative experience that has profoundly impacted my personal and professional growth. Through GWEF I have gained networking opportunities resulting in great relationships and collaborations within the wine industry," said Cristian Medina, 2022 and 2024 GWEF scholarship recipient and Sommelier at Shelby's in Atherton, California.<br />
<br />
HOW TO SUPPORT THE MISSION<br />
<br />
GWEF welcomes contributions at every level - every dollar donated goes directly to scholarship funding. Corporate sponsorship tiers and named scholarship opportunities are also available, including scholarships established in honor or memory of industry colleagues. Wine schools, industry organizations, and nonprofit partners interested in collaboration are also encouraged to connect.<br />
<br />
The full 2026 Impact Report is here (PDF): https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4983f8f6a5da1a611120b6/t/69f4dfdf91ec915960223769/1777655775460/GWEF+2026+Impact+Report.pdf <br />
<br />
To donate, sponsor, or partner, visit https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/.<br />
<br />
ABOUT THE GLANCY WINE EDUCATION FOUNDATION<br />
<br />
The Glancy Wine Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization established in 2020 and based in San Francisco, partnering nationally with three schools, the San Francisco Wine School, the International Wine Center and the American Wine School. GWEF is dedicated to assisting underserved communities with scholarships to further their professional wine education, with the goal of raising their earning power and increasing diversity in the wine industry. The Foundation holds a Four-Star Charity Navigator rating and Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. Federal Tax ID #85-2516009. Learn more at https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/ or follow @glancywineeducationfoundation on Instagram.</p><p>News Source: Glancy Wine Education Foundation</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.glancywineeducationfoundation.org/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/glancy-wine-education-foundation-releases-2026-impact-report-marking-six-years-of-progress-in-diversifying-the-wine-industry/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/glancy-wine-education-foundation-releases-2026-impact-report-marking-six-years-of-progress-in-diversifying-the-wine-industry/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0508-s2p-glancywine-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>DUNKMAN, founded by Shaquille O&#8217;Neal Provides Gear and Uniforms for the UPSHOT League Ahead of Inaugural Season Launch</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/dunkman-founded-by-shaquille-oneal-provides-gear-and-uniforms-for-the-upshot-league-ahead-of-inaugural-season-launch/</link>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 12:26:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>The UPSHOT League</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Basketball]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Florida Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jacksonville Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports and Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Womens Interest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women in sports]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ JACKSONVILLE, Fla. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ The UPSHOT League ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/slcow</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 8, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Dunkman, the apparel and brand platform founded by basketball icon Shaquille O'Neal, has designed and delivered a new generation of uniforms for the UPSHOT League as the league prepares for its inaugural season tipping off May 15. The UPSHOT League enters the market at a pivotal moment for the sport.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0313-s2p-upshot-league-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="The UPSHOT League" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 08, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Dunkman, the apparel and brand platform founded by basketball icon Shaquille O'Neal, has designed and delivered a new generation of uniforms for the UPSHOT League as the league prepares for its inaugural season tipping off May 15.<br />
<br />
Through this partnership, Dunkman's supply of all on-court uniforms, shoes and gear bring a bold, modern aesthetic and performance-driven innovation to a league built around expanding access and opportunity for elite women's basketball players.<br />
<br />
"It's about time women's basketball is being recognized," said O'Neal. "I'm a big fan-these players can really play. There are more great players than there are opportunities, and the UPSHOT League, which tips off on the 15th, is creating those opportunities."<br />
<br />
The UPSHOT League enters the market at a pivotal moment for the sport, with rising fan engagement and a deep talent pipeline seeking additional professional platforms. The partnership with Dunkman underscores a shared commitment to elevating the visibility, professionalism, and cultural impact of the women's game.<br />
<br />
"Women's basketball is in an era of celebration with the advocates and allies who are joining the fold," said Donna Orender, Co-Founder and Commissioner of the UPSHOT League. "The UPSHOT League is rooted in opportunity-opportunity for players, coaches, markets, and partners to grow the game in new ways. It's energy-infusing to feel all of basketball and all basketball fans lean into that spirit. Partnerships like this with Dunkman help bring that vision to life in real ways on and off the court."<br />
<br />
Dunkman's involvement extends beyond uniforms, aligning with the league's broader mission to create a dynamic, culturally relevant platform that resonates with both traditional basketball audiences and new fans alike.<br />
<br />
The UPSHOT League's inaugural season tips off May 15, 2026, with teams in Jacksonville (Waves), Charlotte (Crown), Savannah (Steel) and Greensboro (Groove). Expansion teams for next season have already been announced in Baltimore and Nashville.<br />
<br />
ABOUT THE UPSHOT LEAGUE<br />
<br />
The UPSHOT League, co-founded by Donna Orender and Zawyer Sports CEO, Andy Kaufmann, is a premier women's professional basketball league built on elite competition, player opportunity, and community connection. With a foundation rooted in high-level talent and global experience, the league aims to redefine the professional landscape while expanding opportunities for women's basketball in the United States. https://upshotleague.com/ <br />
</p><p>News Source: The UPSHOT League</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://upshotleague.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://upshotleague.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/dunkman-founded-by-shaquille-oneal-provides-gear-and-uniforms-for-the-upshot-league-ahead-of-inaugural-season-launch/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/dunkman-founded-by-shaquille-oneal-provides-gear-and-uniforms-for-the-upshot-league-ahead-of-inaugural-season-launch/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0313-s2p-upshot-league-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>Hillcrest Expands and Connects Community Living in La Verne with Gateway Neighborhood Project, Adding Seven New Homes</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/hillcrest-expands-and-connects-community-living-in-la-verne-with-gateway-neighborhood-project-adding-seven-new-homes/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 16:00:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Hillcrest</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Senior Citizens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Los Angeles Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NonProfit and Charities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Senior Living community]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ LA VERNE, Calif. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ Hillcrest ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/pZGev</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[LA VERNE, Calif., May 7, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Hillcrest, a senior living community in La Verne, is expanding and connecting its campus with the addition of the Gateway Project. The project includes a walkway connecting its east and west campuses, a new neighborhood of single-family homes, and the renovation of three existing homes.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0507-s2p-hillcrest-gw-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Hillcrest in La Verne is expanding and connecting its campus with the addition of the Gateway Project" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>LA VERNE, Calif., May 07, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Hillcrest, a senior living community in La Verne, is expanding and connecting its campus with the addition of the Gateway Project. The project includes a walkway connecting its east and west campuses, a new neighborhood of single-family homes, and the renovation of three existing homes. <br />
<br />
The additions are designed to enhance everyday life in the community by adding direct pedestrian access between dining, wellness, and residential areas at Hillcrest. The zoning changes were unanimously approved by the La Verne City Council in March and mark the culmination of 80 years of planning and development to geographically unify the 50-acre campus.<br />
<br />
"This project has been part of Hillcrest's long-term planning and marks a key milestone in our long-term vision of community living," said Shirley Turner, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hillcrest. "It brings both sides of our campus together and creates a stronger sense of connection for residents, thus becoming a Gateway to each other."<br />
<br />
As the senior housing industry prepares to handle the Silver Tsunami, with an estimated 10,000 baby boomers retiring daily, Hillcrest is experiencing increasing demand for independent living options in the San Gabriel Valley. With over 20 acres of vacant property, the community is well-positioned for growth and relevance as older adults seek retirement housing options. <br />
<br />
The Gateway neighborhood will feature seven single-family homes designed for residents who want a low-maintenance lifestyle with access to on-campus services and independent living. Each residence will offer approximately 1,600 square feet, two-car garages, and modern layouts, including open-concept kitchens and single-level floor plans.<br />
<br />
"The Gateway homes are ideally located within the Hillcrest community, central to the fitness center and our Meeting House. If you're downsizing from a considerably larger home but are still looking for active, vibrant community living, this is the place for you," said Turner. <br />
<br />
The project builds on the success of Hillcrest's Hawthorne neighborhood and reflects growing demand for residential living options that blend privacy with access to dining and wellness programs. Residents will have full access to Hillcrest's suite of amenities, wellness programs, and continuum-of-care services.<br />
<br />
Construction is expected to be completed between fall and winter 2027.<br />
<br />
ABOUT HILLCREST<br />
<br />
Hillcrest is an upscale 501(c)(3) nonprofit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) centrally located in the San Gabriel Valley, less than 30 minutes from Los Angeles, Anaheim, Pasadena, and San Bernardino and at the gateway to the Inland Empire. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood just off Foothill Boulevard in La Verne, California, Hillcrest offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing with an emphasis on wellness and health. For more information, visit https://www.livingathillcrest.org/.</p><p>News Source: Hillcrest</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://liveathillcrest.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://liveathillcrest.org/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/hillcrest-expands-and-connects-community-living-in-la-verne-with-gateway-neighborhood-project-adding-seven-new-homes/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/hillcrest-expands-and-connects-community-living-in-la-verne-with-gateway-neighborhood-project-adding-seven-new-homes/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0507-s2p-hillcrest-gw-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>New Jersey&#8217;s Save Long Beach Island Sues NOAA for Failure to Protect Migration Corridor of Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/new-jerseys-save-long-beach-island-sues-noaa-for-failure-to-protect-migration-corridor-of-critically-endangered-north-atlantic-right-whale/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 12:15:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Save Long Beach Island (Save LBI)</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Environment and Ecology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy Oil Gas Wave and Solar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Legal and Law]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Jersey Business]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ LONG BEACH ISLAND, N.J. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ Save Long Beach Island (Save LBI) ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/VJNfW</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[LONG BEACH ISLAND, N.J., May 7, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Save Long Beach Island (Save LBI), a nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting our oceans from needless industrialization, along with other concerned parties, filed suit against the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to compel the agency to act on a 2025 petition intended to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW). ]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/25-0407-s2p-savelbi-whale-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="The critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Credit: Save LBI (generated with AI tools)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>LONG BEACH ISLAND, N.J., May 07, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Save Long Beach Island (Save LBI), a nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting our oceans from needless industrialization, along with other concerned parties, filed suit against the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to compel the agency to act on a 2025 petition intended to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW). <br />
<br />
With a population that has dwindled dramatically in recent years, the magnificent right whale is inching perilously close to extinction as it faces a number of ongoing threats. Save LBI filed the petition a year ago on March 31, 2025 requesting NOAA to designate the whale's primary historic migration corridor a "critical habitat" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The corridor identified in the Petition [media.fisheries.noaa.gov/2025-05/NARW-Petition-March-31-2025-508-.pdf] is based on the observation of historical whale migration and the location of its prey. <br />
<br />
Notwithstanding multiple follow-up letters, NOAA has not acted on the request, despite the mandated 90-day deadline for doing so. "The deadline for response from the Agency has long since passed so we must go to court," said Thomas Stavola, Jr., attorney handling the action. "This lawsuit compels NOAA to fulfill its legal duty to consider Save Long Beach Island's critical habitat petition."<br />
<br />
The primary historic migration corridor designation would require federal agencies to ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to destroy or adversely modify the corridor, which is essential to the whale's migration and survival. It would, in effect, create a vital "missing link" between critical habitats NOAA designated in 1994, and later expanded, to protect the right whale's feeding grounds off the coast of Maine (and New England) and its calving and nursery grounds off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina. No habitat protections currently exist between these areas in the far north and south, putting the whale's survival at great risk.<br />
<br />
"Only about 380 North Atlantic right whales are believed to remain, which means every preventable impact matters," explained Denise Boccia, Save LBI Board Member and the primary architect of the petition. "Protecting their connected and continuous primary migration corridor as critical habitat is the most direct, science-based tool we have to keep this species from sliding into extinction."<br />
<br />
WHAT A CRITICAL HABITAT DESIGNATION WOULD DO<br />
<br />
If NOAA designates the NARW's primary historic migration corridor as critical habitat, federal agencies would be required to: <br />
<br />
* Evaluate impacts of major projects-such as large-scale offshore industrial development-on the miles-wide corridor itself.<br />
<br />
* Avoid actions that are likely to destroy or appreciably degrade the whale's migratory corridor, including activities that create wide-ranging elevated levels of underwater noise across the corridor or appreciably alter the availability of its prey.<br />
<br />
A critical habitat designation would deter wind-energy development in lease areas-such as the Atlantic Shores South and North areas off the coast of southern New Jersey-that were unwisely positioned in the whale's primary migration corridor. Save LBI's detailed analysis of operational noise from wind-energy complexes (summarized in the Addendum below) reveals that noise from operating wind turbines extends for miles where it remains above levels that disturb the whale's behavior. "Consequently, those projects could adversely and appreciably affect the miles-wide migration corridor itself and not only seriously impair, but potentially block, the whale's essential annual migration," said Save LBI President Bob Stern, a Ph.D. scientist and former manager of the Office of National Environmental Policy Act Affairs for the U.S. Department of Energy. <br />
<br />
WHAT THE DESIGNATION WOULD NOT DO<br />
<br />
Despite what NOAA has said regarding prior, similar designations, a critical habitat designation for the NARW migration corridor would not:<br />
<br />
* Regulate or restrict vessel traffic: The areas NOAA designates for lower vessel speeds are governed through separate authorities and processes and based on the presence of whales. Whether those areas are labeled critical habitat or not has no bearing on those restrictions.<br />
<br />
* Regulate or restrict commercial or recreational fishing: The designation has no effect on private or state-sanctioned fishing. Federal fishing gear regulations and related measures are governed through separate authorities and processes based on perceived impacts to the whale itself. Any additional measures based on the critical habitat designation would require a separate determination that fishing is likely to destroy or adversely and appreciably modify the miles-wide migration corridor itself, which is not a plausible argument.<br />
<br />
ABOUT SAVE LONG BEACH ISLAND, INC. <br />
<br />
Save Long Beach Island, Inc. (Save LBI) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting the marine environment, coastal ecosystems, and quality of life for residents and visitors of Long Beach Island and the surrounding region. The organization advocates for science-based, balanced policies that safeguard wildlife, preserve local economies, and promote responsible stewardship of ocean resources. Visit SaveLBI.org for more information.<br />
<br />
Contact: https://www.savelbi.org/contact<br />
<br />
For more information click here: https://www.savelbi.org<br />
<br />
--ADDENDUM: SAVE LBI ESTIMATED NOISE RANGES--<br />
<br />
Summary: The Extent of Behavior-Disturbing Noise from Offshore Wind Energy Complexes <br />
<br />
Save LBI's calculations of the noise from wind-turbine complexes proposed in the New York Bight (an area that extends from the southern tip of Cape May, New Jersey, to the southeastern coast of New York's Long Island) showed that sound levels exceeding the whale's behavioral disturbance threshold, represented by the red lines in the illustration, extend through the wind complex and for miles from its perimeter (the green line represents all known migration paths, which is wider than the closer-to-shore primary historic migration corridor identified in the petition).<br />
<br />
Some straight-forward math leads to the same conclusion. During wind-turbine construction, noise source levels from pile driving are on the order of 240 decibels (dB). A significant reduction of about 80 dB is necessary to reduce those noise levels to NOAA's "impulsive-noise behavioral disturbance threshold" of 160 dB. For turbine operation, the aggregate noise source level from a typical complex is about 200 dB, which would also have to be reduced by around 80 dB to meet NOAA's lower "continuous-noise behavioral disturbance threshold" of 120 dB.<br />
<br />
Because both cases require essentially the same 80 dB reduction in noise level, the distances over which sound must travel to drop to acceptable behavioral thresholds is similar. Numerous acoustic analyses conducted by the wind-energy projects have shown that pile-driving noise remains above the acceptable impulsive noise levels for a number of miles beyond the source. So those same multiple-mile ranges are needed to reduce the continuous operational noise generated by the wind complex to the acceptable continuous level, as shown by the red lines in the illustration. Such long distances of elevated noise level create a noise barrier to migration and degrade the viability of the migration corridor itself.<br />
</p><p>News Source: Save Long Beach Island (Save LBI)</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.savelbi.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.savelbi.org/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/new-jerseys-save-long-beach-island-sues-noaa-for-failure-to-protect-migration-corridor-of-critically-endangered-north-atlantic-right-whale/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/new-jerseys-save-long-beach-island-sues-noaa-for-failure-to-protect-migration-corridor-of-critically-endangered-north-atlantic-right-whale/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/25-0407-s2p-savelbi-whale-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>AgingIN Opens Registration for Longevity Pre-Summit and 2026 Conference &#8216;Peak Purpose: Redefining How We Live and Age&#8217;</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/agingin-opens-registration-for-longevity-pre-summit-and-2026-conference-peak-purpose-redefining-how-we-live-and-age/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 11:07:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>AgingIN</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Long Term Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Baltimore Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health and Medical]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Maryland Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NonProfit and Charities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Senior Citizens]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ BALTIMORE, Md. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ AgingIN ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/vutGO</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[BALTIMORE, Md., May 7, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- AgingIN, a national leader advancing innovation in eldercare, has opened registration for its highly anticipated annual conference, "Peak Purpose: Redefining How We Live and Age." The event will explore the impact of how people-first living improves care and strengthens culture while helping organizations perform better.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/25-0812-s2p-agingin-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="AgingIN logo" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>BALTIMORE, Md., May 07, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- AgingIN, a national leader advancing innovation in eldercare, has opened registration for its highly anticipated annual conference, "Peak Purpose: Redefining How We Live and Age." The event will explore the impact of how people-first living improves care and strengthens culture while helping organizations perform better.<br />
<br />
Designed for frontline care team members to executives across independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and PACE programs, the AgingIN 2026 conference includes practical learning and actionable strategies that can be applied immediately. <br />
<br />
"Many of us got started in aging services because we care. Learning more person-centered strategies will help us lead more clearly, and be more aligned and better equipped to put people, not systems, at the center of our care," said Susan Ryan, AgingIN CEO. <br />
<br />
This year's pre-conference experience, "The Longevity Summit: Living Longer, Living Better," is headlined by keynote speaker Dr. Shelly Chadha of the World Health Organization, who will spotlight advancements and collaborative solutions to close the gap between healthspan and lifespan.<br />
<br />
Throughout the summit, thought leaders, practitioners, and researchers will explore transformative approaches to well-being, integrated care models, and the role of innovation in extending quality of life for aging populations.<br />
<br />
AgingIN encourages members of the media to register for complimentary access to key sessions, speakers, and insights shaping the future of aging services.<br />
<br />
Registration is now open. To learn more and secure your spot, visit: https://aginginnovation.org/events/annual-conference/.<br />
<br />
Additional details, including the conference microsite and full agenda, will be released soon.<br />
<br />
ABOUT AGINGIN<br />
<br />
AgingIN is a global nonprofit dedicated to being the catalyst for person-directed living and empowered cultures in the community of one's choice. Their consulting, technical assistance, and education services empower aging services providers to implement lasting change and transformation that is meaningful and measurable. Formerly known as the Center for Innovation, AgingIN was born from the merging of two of the most influential voices in eldercare transformation: Pioneer Network and THE GREEN HOUSE&#xae; Project. For more information, visit: https://aginginnovation.org/.</p><p>News Source: AgingIN</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://aginginnovation.org/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://aginginnovation.org/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/agingin-opens-registration-for-longevity-pre-summit-and-2026-conference-peak-purpose-redefining-how-we-live-and-age/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/agingin-opens-registration-for-longevity-pre-summit-and-2026-conference-peak-purpose-redefining-how-we-live-and-age/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/25-0812-s2p-agingin-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>New Book &#8216;The Super Seeders: How Plant Scientists Are Racing to Protect Global Food Security Amid Climate Change and Disease&#8217; Explores the Hidden Global Revolution in Food Security</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/new-book-the-super-seeders-how-plant-scientists-are-racing-to-protect-global-food-security-amid-climate-change-and-disease-explores-the-hidden-global-revolution-in-food-security/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tellwell Publishing</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Books and Publishing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Agriculture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Missouri Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Product Launches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food insecurity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[non-fiction book]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ KANSAS CITY, Mo. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ Tellwell Publishing ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/flmHM</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 7, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Author and entrepreneur Miles Hillmann announces the release of his new book, "The Super Seeders: How Plant Scientists Are Racing to Protect Global Food Security Amid Climate Change and Disease" (ISBN: 978-1834188355, released May 2, 2026 by Tellwell Publishing), a deeply researched and compelling account of the global scientific effort to safeguard the world's food supply through advances in plant genetics, breeding, and genomic science.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0507-s2p-super-seeders-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="New Book &#039;The Super Seeders: How Plant Scientists Are Racing to Protect Global Food Security Amid Climate Change and Disease&#039;" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 07, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Author and entrepreneur Miles Hillmann announces the release of his new book, "The Super Seeders: How Plant Scientists Are Racing to Protect Global Food Security Amid Climate Change and Disease" (ISBN: 978-1834188355, released May 2, 2026 by Tellwell Publishing), a deeply researched and compelling account of the global scientific effort to safeguard the world's food supply through advances in plant genetics, breeding, and genomic science.<br />
<br />
In "The Super Seeders: How Plant Scientists Are Racing to Protect Global Food Security Amid Climate Change and Disease," Hillmann draws on first-hand accounts from scientists, breeders, and gene bank curators working at the forefront of agricultural innovation. The book traces the interconnected systems that underpin modern food security-from global gene banks preserving rare crop diversity, to international research centres and treaties enabling the exchange of genetic material, to the plant breeders translating scientific breakthroughs into resilient, high-yielding crops for farmers worldwide.<br />
<br />
At the heart of the book is a pressing global challenge: climate change, population growth, emerging crop diseases, and geopolitical instability are placing unprecedented strain on global food systems. As noted by World Food Prize Laureate Dr. Geoff Hawtin OBE, over 2 billion people currently lack access to sufficient and nutritious food, making agricultural innovation more urgent than ever.<br />
<br />
Hillmann's work highlights how plant geneticists are using rapidly advancing genomic technologies to unlock hidden traits within crops-developing varieties that are more drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and productive. The book also explores how innovations from the Green Revolution to modern gene editing have shaped today's agricultural landscape, while acknowledging that crop yield gains are now plateauing and new scientific approaches are essential.<br />
<br />
A central question raised throughout the book is whether this genetic and technological revolution in agriculture will reach the 70 percent of Africans who still depend on subsistence farming-an issue that may determine the future of global food security itself.<br />
<br />
"This book is based on the voices and experiences of the scientists, curators, and breeders who are quietly reshaping agriculture from the ground up," said Hillmann. "Their work is not theoretical-it is about ensuring that people everywhere can continue to eat in a changing and uncertain world."<br />
<br />
Endorsements highlight the book's scientific clarity and global relevance. Dr. Geoff Hawtin OBE describes it as a "captivating book" that both explains the science behind critical agricultural innovations and celebrates the people driving them forward. Plant molecular biologist Professor Mark Guiltinan praises the book as "a timely, deeply researched, and compellingly readable account" that connects the molecular science of plant genetics with the human systems required to turn innovation into impact.<br />
<br />
Garry Kuhn, agronomy and fertilizer industry specialist, reflects on the evolution of modern agriculture, noting that while conventional plant breeding drove the Green Revolution, today's yield plateaus and disease pressures require continued innovation in plant genetics and crop science.<br />
<br />
About the Author<br />
<br />
Miles Hillmann is a lifelong entrepreneur whose career bridges scientific innovation and applied industrial development. His early work in agricultural research in Uganda during the final days of the Idi Amin era, and later experience in regions facing food insecurity, shaped his long-standing interest in food systems and agricultural resilience. He has since founded and led companies in novel feed ingredients, organic materials analysis, oil and chemical spill control, avian and swine flu prevention and flood control systems. "The Super Seeders" draws together decades of field experience and scientific engagement, telling the story of the global plant genetics revolution through the voices of those driving it.<br />
<br />
Book Information<br />
<br />
Email Contact: Authorpress@tellwell.ca<br />
<br />
Title: "The Super Seeders: How Plant Scientists Are Racing to Protect Global Food Security Amid Climate Change and Disease"<br />
<br />
Author: Miles Hillmann<br />
<br />
Website: https://superseeders.co.uk/<br />
<br />
Buy Link: https://amazon.com/dp/1834188350 <br />
<br />
Genre: Nonfiction / Science / Agriculture / Food Security<br />
<br />
Format: Paperback / Hardcover / eBook<br />
<br />
ISBN: 9781834188355<br />
<br />
Publication Date: 2026<br />
</p><p>News Source: Tellwell Publishing</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.tellwellpublishing.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.tellwellpublishing.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/new-book-the-super-seeders-how-plant-scientists-are-racing-to-protect-global-food-security-amid-climate-change-and-disease-explores-the-hidden-global-revolution-in-food-security/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/new-book-the-super-seeders-how-plant-scientists-are-racing-to-protect-global-food-security-amid-climate-change-and-disease-explores-the-hidden-global-revolution-in-food-security/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/26-0507-s2p-super-seeders-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>MISMO awards eVault System Certification to DocMagic&#8217;s SmartSAFE eVaults</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/mismo-awards-evault-system-certification-to-docmagics-smartsafe-evaults/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>DocMagic, Inc.</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FinTech]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Torrance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DepthPR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MISMO Standards]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ TORRANCE, Calif. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ DocMagic, Inc. ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/aEfJx</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[TORRANCE, Calif., May 7, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- DocMagic, Inc. (DocMagic&#xae;) announced today that it has received two new certifications from MISMO&#xae;, the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization. MISMO's eVault System Certification covers SmartSAFE&#xae;, DocMagic's core eVault for managing eNote workflows and MERS&#xae; eRegistry activity, and SmartSAFE XL&#x2122;, an API-first eVault designed for enterprise environments that require flexible deployments and support for a broader range of digital assets.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/22-0517-s2p-docmagic-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="DocMagic, Inc." decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>TORRANCE, Calif., May 07, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- DocMagic, Inc. (DocMagic&#xae;) announced today that it has received two new certifications from MISMO&#xae;, the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization. MISMO's eVault System Certification covers SmartSAFE&#xae;, DocMagic's core eVault for managing eNote workflows and MERS&#xae; eRegistry activity, and SmartSAFE XL&#x2122;, an API-first eVault designed for enterprise environments that require flexible deployments and support for a broader range of digital assets. MISMO's SMART Doc&#xae; Validation Rules Certification confirms that DocMagic's technology can verify conformance to MISMO SMART Doc V1.02 standards prior to vaulting and across integrated workflows.<br />
<br />
MISMO's technology certifications signify that providers meet rigorous criteria for data exchange, transaction reliability and interoperability across the mortgage ecosystem. DocMagic's SmartSAFE and SmartSAFE XL eVaults underwent comprehensive testing, with 192 interdependent test cases and supporting compliance artifacts evaluated for each solution. <br />
<br />
"With MISMO's eVault certifications, DocMagic can help lenders accelerate integration timelines, reduce testing cycles and bring eNote capabilities to market with greater speed and certainty," said MISMO Vice President of Programs and Operations Jonathan Kearns. "At MISMO, we recognize that trust in both the integration and ongoing use of an eVault is critical to advancing the digital mortgage ecosystem. Our eVault certification program is designed to remove uncertainty by validating that providers are implementing MISMO standards correctly, giving lenders confidence in how electronic notes are stored, managed and transferred."<br />
<br />
"We chose to put both our SmartSAFE eVaults through MISMO's rigorous certification process because we know how important it is for eNote interoperability to extend across different architectures and operating models," said DocMagic Chief eServices Executive Brian D. Pannell. A Certified MISMO Standards Professional (CMSP&#xae;), Pannell is a member of MISMO's Residential Standards governance committee and vice chair of its Digital Interoperability community of practice. "Whether workflows are UI-guided or API-driven, consistent validation and management of digital assets enables lenders, investors and partners to transact with speed, efficiency and confidence."<br />
<br />
DocMagic previously received MISMO's eClosing System Certification for its Total eClose&#x2122; solution and MISMO's Remote Online Notarization (RON) Certification for its proprietary RON technology, both in 2022. Together with its newly earned eVault System and SMART Doc Validation Rules certifications, these achievements reflect DocMagic's continued alignment with MISMO standards across the digital mortgage lifecycle.<br />
<br />
For a list of DocMagic's current MISMO certifications, visit https://www.mismo.org/detail-pages/vendor/docmagic. For more information about DocMagic's SmartSAFE eVault technology and full suite of eClosing solutions, visit www.docmagic.com.<br />
<br />
About DocMagic:<br />
<br />
DocMagic&#xae; provides a complete digital mortgage platform for the mortgage industry, delivering proprietary document generation, automated compliance, eSignature, eClosing, eNotarization, eNote and eVault technology in one unified solution. Built on nearly 40 years of innovation, DocMagic helps lenders, settlement service providers and investors move loans from application through post-closing with greater speed, accuracy and confidence. AI deepens that foundation through the company's Intelligent Agentic Network. For more information, visit www.docmagic.com.<br />
<br />
About MISMO:<br />
<br />
MISMO&#xae; is the standards development body for the mortgage industry. MISMO developed a common language for exchanging information for the mortgage finance industry. Today, MISMO standards are accepted and deployed by every type of entity involved in creating mortgages, and they are required by most regulators, housing agencies and the GSEs that participate in the industry. MISMO's work to solve key industry challenges is made possible through the support of its members, champions, sponsors and lenders (via the Innovation Investment Fund). To learn more about MISMO and opportunities to participate, visit MISMO.org.<br />
</p><p>News Source: DocMagic, Inc.</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.docmagic.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.docmagic.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/mismo-awards-evault-system-certification-to-docmagics-smartsafe-evaults/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/mismo-awards-evault-system-certification-to-docmagics-smartsafe-evaults/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/22-0517-s2p-docmagic-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
	<item>
		<title>Vice Capital Markets introduces agency market-based interest rate benchmark designed to expand insight into mortgage pricing</title>
		<link>https://www.send2press.com/wire/vice-capital-markets-introduces-agency-market-based-interest-rate-benchmark-designed-to-expand-insight-into-mortgage-pricing/</link>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vice Capital Markets</dc:creator>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michigan Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DepthPR]]></category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ NOVI, Mich. ]]>
</category>
<category>
<![CDATA[ Vice Capital Markets ]]>
</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://i.send2press.com/q4tQo</guid>

		<description><![CDATA[NOVI, Mich., May 7, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Vice Capital Markets, a leading mortgage hedge advisory firm for independent lenders, banks and credit unions, today announced the public release of the Vice Capital Par Note Rate, a proprietary daily mortgage rate benchmark designed to provide a distinct, market-based view of mortgage pricing. Available via an online tracker, the benchmark provides lenders, analysts and other market participants with daily data, long-term trend analysis and custom charting dating back to 2008.]]></description>
	
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="image"><img width="800" height="600" src="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/22-0112-s2p-vice-capital-markets-800x600.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Vice Capital Markets" decoding="async" loading="lazy" /></p><p>NOVI, Mich., May 07, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Vice Capital Markets, a leading mortgage hedge advisory firm for independent lenders, banks and credit unions, today announced the public release of the Vice Capital Par Note Rate, a proprietary daily mortgage rate benchmark designed to provide a distinct, market-based view of mortgage pricing. Available via an online tracker, the benchmark provides lenders, analysts and other market participants with daily data, long-term trend analysis and custom charting dating back to 2008.<br />
<br />
Calculated daily using Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed security prices across the coupon stack, plus standard base guaranty fees and servicing, the Vice Capital Par Note Rate reflects the note rate at which a 30-year, fixed-rate loan could be sold at par into the agency market while retaining servicing. The benchmark is intended to complement other widely referenced mortgage rate measures by offering an additional perspective grounded in secondary market pricing rather than borrower-specific transaction characteristics, such as discount points, lender credits and loan-level pricing adjustments.<br />
<br />
"Mortgage rate metrics can serve different purposes depending on what users are trying to measure," said Chris Bennett, chairman at Vice Capital Markets. "Many widely followed figures provide valuable insight into borrower activity and market sentiment. The Vice Capital Par Note Rate is designed to complement those views by offering a consistent, market-based benchmark for analyzing mortgage rate movement over time."<br />
<br />
While Vice Capital Markets has used the par note rate internally in its modeling for decades, the company is now making the data publicly available to support more informed market analysis across the mortgage industry. Through the tracker, users can review daily weighted averages, analyze long-term trends and create custom charts across historical time periods.<br />
<br />
"By making this data publicly available, we're giving the industry another lens through which to evaluate mortgage rate movement," said Troy Baars, president at Vice Capital Markets. "We believe the Vice Capital Par Note Rate will serve as a valuable benchmark for lenders, analysts and other market participants seeking deeper insight into market trends over time."<br />
<br />
To access the online tracker, visit https://vicecapitalmarkets.com/par-note-rate-historical-tracker/. <br />
<br />
Sign up to receive weekly updates on the Vice Capital Par Note Rate at https://vicecapitalmarkets.com/subscribe-vcm-par-note-rate-updates/.<br />
<br />
About Vice Capital Markets<br />
<br />
Since 2001, Vice Capital Markets has expertly navigated interest rate risk and driven profitability on over $1 trillion in MBS trades and mortgage-related transactions for a diverse range of financial institutions. Utilizing proprietary risk-management models and an advanced investor and agency platform, Vice Capital has enabled clients to enhance their secondary market strategies and achieve optimal sales gains. <br />
<br />
The company's Vice Execution Portal(tm) (ViceEx) is an all-inclusive, whole-loan trading platform that enables lenders and secondary market managers to seamlessly send and receive aggregator bulk bids, compare agency executions with customizable retained or co-issue servicing values while guaranteeing the best execution that might otherwise be missed in a manual process.<br />
<br />
With traders averaging over a decade of experience, Vice Capital brings the expertise necessary to tackle market challenges and consistently deliver secure and effective profit growth for its clients. For further information, visit https://www.vicecapitalmarkets.com or call (248) 869-8100.<br />
</p><p>News Source: Vice Capital Markets</p>
<p><strong>Related link: <a href="https://www.vicecapitalmarkets.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.vicecapitalmarkets.com/</a></strong></p><p>This press release was issued on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by <a href="https://www.send2press.com/" rel="nofollow">Send2Press Newswire</a>. To view the original story, visit: <a href="https://www.send2press.com/wire/vice-capital-markets-introduces-agency-market-based-interest-rate-benchmark-designed-to-expand-insight-into-mortgage-pricing/" rel="nofollow">https://www.send2press.com/wire/vice-capital-markets-introduces-agency-market-based-interest-rate-benchmark-designed-to-expand-insight-into-mortgage-pricing/</a></p>

]]></content:encoded>
	
	<enclosure length="55000" type="image/jpeg" url="https://www.send2press.com/wire/images/22-0112-s2p-vice-capital-markets-800x600.jpg" />

	</item>
	
</channel>
</rss>
