National News

WASHINGTON D.C. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Teal, a sophisticated managed IT service provider supporting forward-thinking small and medium-sized businesses, has won a Silver Stevie Award in the front-line customer service team of the year - technology industries category in the 19th annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

PLANO, Texas /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Optimal Blue today released its February 2025 Market Advantage mortgage data report, showing a 7% month-over-month increase in mortgage lock volume driven primarily by a surge in refinance activity. Rate-and-term refinances saw the biggest jump, rising nearly 40% as homeowners seized the opportunity to lower their monthly payments. Cash-out refinances also edged higher, while purchase lock activity remained subdued for the second consecutive month.

LOWELL, Mass. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- The Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) is pleased to introduce Helder Alves de Oliveira the winner of its 2025 International Call-for-Scores. His score "Resiliens" was chosen following a completely anonymous process of evaluating 138 entries from all over the world based on merits of originality, orchestration, structure, and other compositional techniques. His work will be performed during LCO's 2025-2026 season, and Mr. Oliveira will receive a monetary prize.

IOWA CITY, Iowa /New York Netwire - National News/ -- In a letter delivered this week to Darren J. Beattie, a senior official at the US State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the acclaimed Todos Santos Writers Workshop (TSWW) decried the bureau's recent cancellation of federal grants to the International Writing Program (IWP) at the University of Iowa.

DALLAS, Texas /New York Netwire - National News/ -- The future of mortgage technology is set to take the spotlight in Dallas as The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's largest independent cooperative network serving the mortgage industry, and the TMC Emerging Technology Fund LP present the seventh Mortgage Tech Day (MTD).

NEW YORK, N.Y. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- HitPaw, a leading innovator in multimedia software solutions, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Spring Sale, running from March 6 to March 24. This year's event promises unbeatable deals, with discounts of up to 40% OFF on hot products and an incredible 50% OFF on AI-powered product bundles. The highlight of this sale is the introduction of exclusive subscription and credit bundles, offering savings of up to 35% OFF.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) is proud to announce its expansion to become a national scholarship organization through strategic partnerships with the International Wine Center in New York, the American Wine School in the Midwest, and the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV). Combined with the foundation's existing partnership with the San Francisco Wine School, these collaborations significantly extend GWEF's geographic reach, enabling more aspiring wine professionals across the United States access to high-quality wine education.

CLEVELAND, Ohio /New York Netwire - National News/ -- In recognition of Fair Lending Month and Women's History Month, this week's episode of top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture will feature Nikki Bialka, vice president and national community lending strategy manager at Fifth Third Bank, in a discussion on bridging the homeownership gap for BIPOC and low-to-moderate-income (LMI) communities through equitable lending practices. Airing live Thursday at 3 pm ET, the episode will explore innovative mortgage programs, special-purpose credit programs (SPCPs), alternative credit models and strategies for embedding equity into lending practices beyond regulatory compliance.

VALENCIA, Calif. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- IRS Solutions®, a company offering innovative tax resolution software explicitly designed for tax professionals, announces that it has been named an industry partner by the prestigious American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS).

NEW YORK, N.Y. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Pokémon GO players seeking a seamless way to explore different locations can now use FonesGo Location Changer, a powerful GPS spoofing tool designed for iOS and Android. With advanced features like Multi-Modes, and Bluetooth-based location spoofing, FonesGo ensures a smooth, secure, and ban-resistant Pokémon GO experience - no jailbreak or root required. The latest version 7.9.0 introduces a breakthrough Bluetooth mode that allows users to safely spoof their location without relying on cracked versions.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Camino Chronicles Press and Karin Kiser today announced the release of "Before the Camino: Your Pocket Guide to Prepare Your Body and Mind for the Camino de Santiago." While most Camino guidebooks focus on logistics, Kiser takes a new approach in this comprehensive guide, addressing the deeper issues that compel people from all walks of life to the Camino de Santiago.

NEPTUNE, N.J. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Rhode Sense, a leading full-service freight brokerage joins forces with Move For Hunger, a national non-profit organization dedicated to fighting hunger and reducing food waste nationwide. As part of Move For Hunger's Charity Freight and Mover network, Rhode Sense is tackling hunger one transport at a time. With food insecurity affecting millions across the U.S., this collaboration will deliver 100,000 additional meals to communities in need this year.

TORONTO, Ontario /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Canadian author William J. Birrell's latest book, "The Tale of Sir Valiant and Earl Vladimoor: A Clash of Good and Evil" (ISBN: 978-1779624901), was released by Tellwell Publishing on December 20, 2024. This classic tale of heroism and sacrifice follows the adventures of Sir Valiant, a steadfast knight, as he battles against the sinister Vladimoor, the Dark Earl of Dragonshire, in a fight for justice, honor, and love.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Exploring new Pokémon GO locations without leaving your home has never been easier. MocPOGO, the ultimate location-changing tool, lets players move freely in-game without any physical effort. The latest 2025 update - V7.9.0 brings cutting-edge features, including Bluetooth connectivity，enhanced support for original POGO and MHN, improved anti-ban protection, and multi-device support, making it the go-to solution for iOS and Android users.

STEPHENS CITY, Va. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- When Sarah Lascano faced debilitating chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple food sensitivities affecting 90% of her diet, doctors told her there was nothing they could offer. After years of searching, she found dramatic healing when she discovered energy medicine. It is now her passion to help people find healing for hard-to-treat illness, even when nothing else has worked.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- EKSAtelecom, a leading innovator in professional communication headsets, is proud to announce that its latest products, the S30 and H1 Pro wireless headsets, are now available for purchase on Best Buy's online store. This milestone marks a significant step in expanding EKSAtelecom's presence in the North American market and providing business professionals and drivers with high-performance communication solutions.

BOULDER, Colo. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Floify, the mortgage industry's leading point-of-sale (POS) solution, today announced the appointment of Sol Klein as head of client experience and business operations. Klein, a seasoned mortgage technology executive with extensive experience in customer success and implementation, will lead initiatives to help clients maximize the value of their investment in Floify's platform.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced that three of its team members have been recognized by HousingWire, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and Women We Admire.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah /New York Netwire - National News/ -- Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kortney Lane-Schafers to Vice President of Growth & Client Advocacy.

NEW YORK, N.Y, /New York Netwire - National News/ -- As the global economy continues to evolve, the demand for smarter savings solutions is on the rise. PromoPro, a leading platform in the digital coupon industry, unveils its predictions for the future of the coupon landscape in 2025. With artificial intelligence (AI) and consumer behavior trends shaping the market, the industry is set for a transformative shift that will redefine how shoppers save money.