National News

PLANO, Texas /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Optimal Blue today released its December 2024 Market Advantage mortgage data report, showcasing year-over-year (YoY) growth in mortgage activity, even as seasonal trends led to a month-over-month (MoM) decline in rate lock volumes. Overall, December mortgage lock volume was up 26% YoY, driven by an 18% increase in purchase locks, a 43% rise in cash-out refinances, and an 82% jump in rate-and-term refinances.

DALLAS, Texas /New York Netwire - National News/ -- In the wake of devastating wildfires, ProNotary, a leading remote online notarization (RON) software provider, is stepping up to empower businesses with the tools needed to integrate RON into their operations. By partnering with ProNotary, organizations can help communities impacted by these natural disasters access essential services like notarizing insurance claims, property agreements, and legal documents - all from a secure, remote platform.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- UniFab, an AI video and audio quality improvement software, launched UniFab All-In-One V3.0 on January 6, 2025. The latest version of UniFab has a new design by relocating the initial function menu to a more central spot for simpler workflow. Additionally, the features have been consolidated to streamline the workflow and boost efficiency.

LONG BEACH ISLAND, N.J. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Save Long Beach Island (LBI), an organization that has been actively litigating issues surrounding marine mammal, human health, economic, and other impacts connected to offshore wind industrialization off New Jersey since 2022, has filed suit against the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, U.S. Department of Interior, and the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind project for violations of a number of federal environmental statutes.

CLEVELAND, Ohio /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture, hosted by Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman and broadcast live every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, next week features Ryan Donovan, president and chief executive officer of the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks, a trade association representing the positions and views of the Federal Home Loan Bank System.

TORONTO, Ontario /New York Netwire - National News/ -- At 49, "Smile," affectionately known online as "The Smile Enthusiast," unveils her groundbreaking longevity textbook, "#FUTURECENTURIONLIFE, My Longevity Lifestyle" (ISBN: 978-0228889540; released by Tellwell Publishing in November 2024). This inspiring work outlines her bold, holistic approach and detailed blueprint for achieving extraordinary health and longevity.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Worth Pursuing Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to hunger relief, mental health advocacy, and education, is proud to host its 1st Annual "New Year, Healthy You" Health Fair on Saturday, January 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jacksonville Public Library Main, located at 303 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- CapitalW Collective, a trailblazing non-profit dedicated to advancing women and their allies in mortgage capital markets, proudly announces Polly as its first product and pricing engine (PPE) Diamond-level corporate sponsor. This alliance underscores CapitalW Collective's mission "to create more inclusive and dynamic mortgage capital markets, one woman and ally at a time."

CICERO, N.Y. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- USA Needle, Inc. (usaneedle.com), a leading provider of precision-manufactured needles, proudly announces its continued commitment to delivering top-quality surgical and industrial needles to meet the evolving needs of healthcare, manufacturing, and specialty industries.

LAKE OKOBOJI, Iowa /New York Netwire - National News/ -- International Scuba proudly announces the highly anticipated 8th Annual Ice Hole Festival. Bringing scuba divers and enthusiasts together to assess their ice diving skills. From January 30 to February 2, 2025, the lake will be transformed - featuring events for both instructors and certified divers.

BAROSSA VALLEY, Australia /New York Netwire - National News/ -- In "The Traffic of a Lie" (ISBN: 978-1998482054), released by Tellwell Talent on November 1, 2024, debut novelist Angela Nagel delivers a compelling, emotionally charged narrative that is already garnering attention for its deep dive into family secrets, betrayal, and the quest for truth amid overwhelming adversity.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- TravelInsurance.com, the leading platform for comparing and purchasing travel insurance from global providers, reports that travel insurance is more critical in 2025 as disruptions and rising travel costs persist. With trip costs and demand surging in 2025, the importance of safeguarding travel investments is clear.

LOVELAND, Colo. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Street Media Group, a leading out-of-home advertising provider, has announced plans to develop a new state-of-the-art digital billboard along Interstate 25 in northern Colorado. The 14-foot x 48-foot double-faced digital display will be strategically positioned at exit 254 between Loveland and Johnstown, marking a significant expansion of the company's regional presence.

PHOENIX, Ariz. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- The Black Chamber of Arizona is proud to announce the recipients of its Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual (SEDI) Business Supportive Grant designed to help address the challenges SEDI-owned businesses face. The recipients were officially recognized and spotlighted at the Black Chamber of Arizona's 26th Anniversary Gala on December 13, where over 500 community leaders, national figures, and stakeholders gathered to celebrate economic impact and strides made to close the racial wealth gap.

MELBOURNE, Australia /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Drawing from three decades of frontline experience and scholarly research, Ron Tiffen's groundbreaking new book "Disability Crossroads" (ISBN: 978-0228892915) presents innovative solutions for the challenges facing Australia's disability sector. This timely work arrives as stakeholders call for renewed confidence in the system and meaningful reform.

COSTA MESA, Calif. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Tidemark Talks, a new podcast dedicated to telling the stories behind Orange County's most iconic business leaders, officially launched this week. The podcast features authentic, compelling interviews with some of the region's most notable entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries. The podcast is hosted by Jim Snyder, CEO of Tidemark Real Estate Services, alongside Taylor Snyder and Basil Newburn.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Many Pokémon GO players face bans for spoofing their location and often resort to unreliable third-party tools, which can put their accounts at risk. "PoGoskill V2.0.0 offers a breakthrough solution to this problem, allowing you to spoof your location safely - no cracked apps or jailbreak required," says a PoGoskill spokesperson. "Our latest updates ensure a secure and smooth gameplay experience."

NEW YORK, N.Y. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- HitPaw, a leading innovator in multimedia software, proudly announces the rebranding of its flagship product, HitPaw Video Converter, to HitPaw Univd. This significant update delivers a comprehensive suite of advanced features, empowering creators of all levels to produce high-quality, professional videos with unparalleled ease.

PLANO, Texas /New York Netwire - National News/ -- New Mexico Youth Soccer Association (NMYSA), the governing body for US Youth Soccer in New Mexico, is proud to announce an extended multi-year partnership with Sports Connect powered by Stack Sports. As the Exclusive Technology, Online Registration, and League Management Provider, Sports Connect will continue delivering innovative solutions for NMYSA, affiliated clubs, and leagues, empowering administrators, coaches, families, and players to thrive on and off the field.

WESTMINSTER, Colo. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Kiosk Industry Group, the marketing arm of KMA Kiosk Association, announces the Best of 2024 Self-Service award winners. The winners exemplify the best in self-service and kiosk design, including kiosks. You can meet many of the winners and chat at NRF this week.