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BUDA, Texas, Sept. 4, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Taste on Main, a longtime Buda restaurant, is evolving into an Italian Steakhouse concept pairing Texas beef with classic Italian flavors. The restaurant embraces the new Italian direction, while preserving its celebrated steaks, East Coast oyster bar, and craft cocktail program. The transformation of the dining room is underway, culminating in the official launch of TasTe Italian Steakhouse on September 24. 
Image caption: Taste on Main Becomes TasTe Italian Steakhouse. When the culinary team at Taste on Main was challenged to create a standout dish for Monday nights, the result was a Lasagna that quickly became the beginning of something new. Taste has always been chef-driven. Handmade pasta has always had a place in its kitchen. As the culinary team evolved, the menu began moving in an unmistakably Italian direction. The menu has new language, rich sauces, and Italian classics-all served with plenty of focaccia and Chianti. According to Tamra Tindol, President, "This is an evolution, not a reopening. The name may be evolving, and the menu may be speaking a new language, but the heart of TasTe Italian Steakhouse remains the same. We will remain open 7 days a week throughout the transition. We will offer 14 weekly meal services across lunch, dinner, and brunch." Daily happy hour will continue from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., along with the restaurant's all-day drink specials, including half-price bottles of wine every Monday. TasTe Italian Steakhouse will maintain its allocated spirits program, sourcing rare and hard-to-find bourbons, while expanding its wine list to showcase more Italian varietals. TasTe Italian Steakhouse is a chef-driven restaurant in Buda, Texas. TasTe combines the traditions of an Italian steakhouse, with exceptional steaks, handmade pastas, an East Coast oyster bar, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, an extensive wine list, and allocated spirits program. TasTe is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and brunch. https://tasteonmain.com/ — Please Drink Responsibly — Media contact: https://tasteonmain.com/contact/ IMAGE link for media: https://tasteonmain.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/TasteonMainFront-scaled.jpg News Source: Taste on MainTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/local-culinary-evolution-taste-on-main-becomes-taste-italian-steakhouse/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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ONTARIO, Canada, Sept. 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Soap Opera Magazine ( https://soapoperamagazine.com/ ), a leading digital publication covering daytime television, today announced the nominees for the first annual Maggie Awards, a new honors program recognizing outstanding performances and storytelling across all five American daytime dramas. The Maggies celebrate work that aired during the 2025 calendar year, and every winner will be chosen by fan vote. Winners will be announced October 1, 2026. 
Image caption: Soap Opera Magazine Announces Nominees for the First Annual Maggie Awards. The inaugural slate spans 13 categories: Leading Actress, Leading Actor, Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor, Younger Actress, Younger Actor, Guest Performance, Best Soap, Best Couple, Best Villain, Best Hero, Best Comeback, and Best Newcomer. Nominations cover "The Young and the Restless" ( https://soapoperamagazine.com/category/the-young-and-the-restless-spoilers/ ), "The Bold and the Beautiful" ( https://soapoperamagazine.com/category/the-bold-and-the-beautiful-spoilers/ ), "General Hospital" ( https://soapoperamagazine.com/category/general-hospital-spoilers/ ), "Days of Our Lives" ( https://soapoperamagazine.com/category/days-of-our-lives-spoilers/ ), and "Beyond the Gates" ( https://soapoperamagazine.com/category/beyond-the-gates/ ). Nominees include daytime veterans Eric Braeden, Deidre Hall, Maurice Benard, Genie Francis, Jane Elliot, and John McCook, alongside Steve Burton, Scott Clifton, Cameron Mathison, Paul Telfer, Tamara Tunie, Karla Mosley, Maura West, and Kathleen Gati. "Beyond the Gates," the first new network daytime drama in more than 25 years, earned nominations in nine categories in its first eligible year. “Daytime actors do some of the most demanding work on television, and they rarely get recognized for it outside one night a year,” said Amber Sinclair, Editor-in-Chief of Soap Opera Magazine. “The Maggies were built to give that work a second stage. This first slate represents legacy performers who have anchored their shows for decades and newer talent who made 2025 impossible to look away from.” FANS WILL DECIDE EVERY WINNER Unlike industry-juried awards, every Maggie category is decided entirely by daytime viewers. Voting is open now on the Soap Opera Magazine Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/SoapOperaMagazine ) and closes September 28, 2026. “Soap fans have never been shy about who deserves recognition, and now they get the final say,” said Sinclair. “These are the people who watch every single day, who know exactly which scene mattered and why. Handing them the ballot was the whole point.” Each winner will receive an engraved Maggie trophy. The Maggies are named for the magazine itself and will be presented annually, with each year’s eligibility period matching the prior calendar year. The complete list of nominees in every category is available at https://soapoperamagazine.com/the-maggies/ ABOUT SOAP OPERA MAGAZINE Soap Opera Magazine ( https://soapoperamagazine.com/ ) is a premier digital publication dedicated to comprehensive coverage of daytime television. A revival of the print title published from 1991 to 1999, the publication delivers daily spoilers, breaking news, character analysis, and exclusive content covering The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, and Beyond the Gates. Distributed through MSN, NewsBreak, and major social media platforms, Soap Opera Magazine serves a dedicated community of daytime television fans with timely, insightful, and fan-focused content. Soap Opera Magazine is published by Squid McGuffey Media LLC. Follow Soap Opera Magazine: Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/SoapOperaMagazine ) | Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/soapoperamag ) | X ( https://x.com/SoapOpera411 ) | LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/company/soap-opera-magazine ) MEDIA CONTACT: Amber Sinclair amber@soapoperamagazine.com 519-400-7416 MULTIMEDIA: Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0903-s2p-maggies-300dpi.webp Image caption: Soap Opera Magazine Announces Nominees for the First Annual Maggie Awards News Source: Soap Opera MagazineTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/soap-opera-magazine-announces-nominees-for-the-first-annual-maggie-awards-fans-will-decide-every-winner/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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LA MESA, Calif., Sept. 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In March 2025, LegalizeFerrets.org filed Form FGC-1 with the California Fish and Game Commission - the formal petition, under Government Code §11340.6, asking the state to reconsider its classification of domestic ferrets as restricted wild animals under Title 14, §671. Preparing it properly took considerable effort. The Commission accepted it as Petition 2025-003. 
Image caption: Fifteen years, same loop. California ferret advocates were told in 2011 that their environmental report was with the Department for review, with "no timing" for completion. In 2025, Petition 2025-003 was again sent from the Fish and Game Commission to the Department for "review and recommendation." Advocates are still waiting for a final decision. Government Code §11340.7 requires an agency, within 30 days of receiving a petition, to notify the petitioner and either deny the petition in writing or schedule it for public hearing. The statute also permits an agency to grant relief in part or take "any other action" it determines is warranted. The dispute is whether referring a petition for "further consideration" can leave it there indefinitely, without a final disposition. In June 2025, the Commission voted unanimously to place the petition under "further consideration" and referred it to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for "review and recommendation." More than a year later, no recommendation has returned to the Commission in an open meeting, and no final disposition has issued. LegalizeFerrets.org has sued the Commission and the Department to compel a final answer. In seeking dismissal, the State argues that LegalizeFerrets.org "did not allege that the Department has a mandatory duty or the authority to take action under Government Code section 11340.7." Advocates say that creates an obvious problem: the Commission sent the petition to the Department for "review and recommendation," while the State now argues the lawsuit identifies no legal duty requiring the Department to complete that work. For ferret advocates, that raises a question bigger than statutory interpretation: WHY SHOULD THEY TRUST ANOTHER OPEN-ENDED FISH AND GAME REVIEW? "We did the thing the process asks of you," said LegalizeFerrets.org founder Pat Wright. "We filed the petition properly. The Commission considered it, sent it out for review and recommendation, and more than a year later it’s still unresolved. At some point, the public has to be able to trust that 'further consideration' actually leads somewhere." THEY HAVE BEEN HERE BEFORE The concern isn’t hypothetical. At an official Commission meeting on April 7, 2011, ferret advocate Jeremy Trim asked whether an environmental report submitted in support of legalization had been reviewed. A Department of Fish and Game representative answered: "We received a document, and it’s currently within the Department." Asked how long the review would take, the answer was direct: "No, there’s no timing. It’s just as soon as we can get staff that have the expertise to review it and look at it." The Department described what was supposed to happen next: it would review the document, work with proponents if changes were needed, and return it to the Commission for a public decision. THAT LOOP WAS NEVER COMPLETED. NO DECISION ON THAT REPORT WAS EVER BROUGHT BACK TO THE COMMISSION. The pattern continued. A separate petition, 2016-008, was continued in 2016 so staff could review its environmental checklist - and no decision followed. On April 20, 2023, Commission President Erik Sklar told advocates: "Unless you folks want to spend the money - it’s not easy and not cheap - to do a CEQA study and bring it to us, we really can’t do anything." Advocates funded the study through Sacramento State University research and returned to the Commission on August 22, 2023, with Wright asking directly: "We’re ready to get started. We’re going to take President Sklar up on his offer. What do we do?" The Commission moved to the next speaker. Then, in 2025, Petition 2025-003 was referred for another "review and recommendation." "Every time, it’s the same pattern," Wright said. "Nobody says no. Nothing becomes final. It goes somewhere else 'for review,' and review has no deadline. We don’t have to guess where an open-ended review can lead. We watched it happen in 2011." WHAT THE LAWSUIT ASKS FOR LegalizeFerrets.org is not asking a court to legalize ferrets, and does not dispute the Commission’s authority to deny the petition outright. "Deny it. Grant it. Do the review the Department told us in 2011 it would do," Wright said. "What we don’t think the law allows is an answer that’s built to never become final." OCTOBER 2 COURT HEARING The State’s demurrer is scheduled to be heard October 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Department 16B of Sacramento County Superior Court. The State is asking the court to dismiss the case; LegalizeFerrets.org argues that the petition process cannot simply remain unfinished. LegalizeFerrets.org has advocated for the legal treatment of domestic ferrets as companion animals in California since 2005. Learn more about Legalize Ferrets, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, at: https://LegalizeFerrets.org/ MEDIA CONTACT: Pat Wright Legalize Ferrets (619) 757-7426 LegalizeFerrets.org MULTIMEDIA: Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0903-s2p-legferrets15-300dpi.webp Image caption: Fifteen years, same loop. California ferret advocates were told in 2011 that their environmental report was with the Department for review, with "no timing" for completion. In 2025, Petition 2025-003 was again sent from the Fish and Game Commission to the Department for "review and recommendation." Advocates are still waiting for a final decision. News Source: Legalize FerretsTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/california-asks-ferret-advocates-to-trust-further-consideration-history-gives-them-little-reason-to/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced it has expanded its leadership team with two experienced executives: Salvatore Piccola as senior vice president of product strategy and Gil Valera as vice president of professional services. The additions strengthen two areas central to Dark Matter's growth strategy: innovation focused on using AI to improve customer experience, help lenders realize efficiencies, and drive seamless implementation and adoption of its product capabilities. 
Image caption: Dark Matter names Salvatore Piccola and Gil Valera to product strategy, professional services leadership roles. Piccola will lead product strategy, direction and long-term evolution across the Empower® Loan Origination Solution, the built-in Point of Sale (POS) experience in Empower and the Exchange℠ Partner Marketplace. Valera will lead Dark Matter's professional services and consulting organization, with responsibility for helping customers implement, adopt and realize value from the company's technology. Both roles will report to CPO Stephanie Durflinger. "Automation and AI are changing the game for our industry," said Dark Matter CEO Vikas Rao. "The future is helping AI agents work in conjunction with humans, enabling paradigm shifts in the mortgage lending process. Sal brings the lender and product perspective to help us build toward that future, while Gil brings decades of experience making sure complex technology is adopted successfully and delivers value in the real world. Adding both of them makes us stronger where it matters: what we build and how customers put it to work." Piccola joins Dark Matter after nearly 24 years with PNC, where he most recently served as senior vice president and director of business innovation validation for home lending. During his tenure, he held leadership roles spanning mortgage operations, loan closing, business systems analysis, technology and business innovation, giving him experience across both the operational and technology sides of lending. Piccola holds an MBA in finance from Waynesburg University and a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Pittsburgh. Valera brings more than 20 years of professional services leadership across mortgage technology, enterprise analytics, customer relationship management and consulting. He spent 13 years at ICE Mortgage Technology, where he served as vice president of professional services and led presales, consulting, training and customer success functions for enterprise mortgage customers. Before joining ICE, Valera held professional services and consulting leadership positions at Infor, MicroStrategy and SAP BusinessObjects, among others. He began his career at Ernst & Young. ABOUT DARK MATTER TECHNOLOGIES: Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry's leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers powerful technology with unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders, servicers and companies nationwide. For more information, visit https://dmatter.com/ . News Source: Dark Matter TechnologiesTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/dark-matter-names-salvatore-piccola-and-gil-valera-to-product-strategy-professional-services-leadership-roles/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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LAS VEGAS, Nev., Sept. 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Southern Nevada’s premier electrical contractor, Ampere Electric , has been honored with the Outstanding Advertising Performance Award by RSVP Las Vegas Advertising using a targeted mailer to the top 30% of homeowners in the Las Vegas Valley. This accolade recognizes the company’s exceptional results in an 18-month advertising campaign that successfully closed over $4 million in new business matched back to the targeted mailer. 
Image caption: Ampere Electric Receives Outstanding Advertising Performance Award. During this campaign, Ampere Electric engaged with over 4,826 matched contacts, resulting in 1,511 direct sales contacts, showcasing the effectiveness of their targeted marketing efforts. The award highlights their measurable success and outstanding advertising performance within the specified timeframe. Founded in 1987, this third-generation, family-owned business is currently owned and operated by Shane Viggiani, a licensed Nevada electrical contractor holding the NV C-2 license #88495, which is required for all electrical contracting work in Nevada. Serving Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin, Ampere Electric is renowned for delivering full-service commercial and residential electrical solutions with master-level precision. The company's commitment to excellence was further recognized in April 2026 when Inc. Magazine ranked Ampere Electric as the #5 Fastest-Growing Private Company in the Rocky Mountain Region. In addition to their outstanding business achievements, Ampere Electric has been featured locally on NBC Las Vegas Local Living , demonstrating how to conduct proactive electrical safety inspections. This initiative helps catch hidden fire risks, degraded panels, and loose wiring before they turn into costly emergencies, emphasizing their dedication to safety and community well-being. "We've grown into a team of 40+ electricians, but we still operate with the heart of a local family business. When our technician knocks on your door, they arrive in a fully stocked vehicle ready to fix most problems on the spot. Because everything in an electrical system is interconnected, we always perform a comprehensive safety check, map out upfront pricing options, and let you decide what's best for your home. Our goal is to set the agenda early so you feel prepared, while always delivering a true 5-star experience," stated Shane Viggiani, Owner of Ampere Electric. "Our vision has always been to keep Las Vegas families safe and powered. But as home technology evolves, 'powered' means something completely different than it did 30 years ago. Today, a truly safe home requires a smart, interconnected ecosystem that manages its own power, charges your vehicle, and protects itself from blackouts. We built Ampere Electric to be the master architects of that future." Powering Las Vegas and beyond since 1987, Ampere Electric is the Top-Rated Residential, Commercial and Emergency Electrical Service in Las Vegas. This locally owned and operated Las Vegas company provides premier residential and commercial solutions across the Las Vegas valley. With 24/7 emergency dispatch, same-day response times, text alerts, clean workmanship, and upfront communication. In Las Vegas, a city that is constantly changing, Ampere Electric's rapid growth reflects its unwavering commitment to the safety and satisfaction of its Southern Nevada neighbors. For more information, please contact Ampere Electric for all of your residential and commercial needs at (702) 979-1747 , or visit their website at: https://ampereelectricnv.com/ . MEDIA CONTACT: Shane Viggiani Owner, Ampere Electric info@ampereelectricnv.com (702) 979-1747 *** UPDATED 1:05pm PDT to fix client provided typo in contact email. News Source: Ampere ElectricTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/ampere-electric-receives-outstanding-advertising-performance-award-for-achieving-over-4-million-in-new-business/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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ST. CLOUD, Minn., Sept. 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Planning is underway for Inspiration Space Port , a year-round family destination that will place Shuttle Inspiration, a full-scale Space Shuttle mock-up, inside a towering 300-foot-wide, 175-foot-tall dome. Wrapped in a spectacular LED exterior, the dome will become a glowing beacon on the Minnesota skyline-a new landmark visible for miles. 
Image caption: Towering 175 feet high and 300 feet across, Inspiration Space Port's LED-blanketed dome will be a beacon for miles, and Minnesota's gateway to the stars. Inside, surrounding the massive spacecraft, visitors will journey through space exploration with cutting-edge technology, simulators, interactive attractions and cinematic storytelling designed to make them feel as though they have stepped off Earth toward worlds beyond. At the heart of the ISP vision is a simple idea: Don’t just show outer space to people. Bring them to it. "There were earlier plans to simply put the shuttle on display, but it turns out we could do so much more with it," said Jason Bernick, Founder of Inspiration Space Port. "We have a chance to create something really special here-something families will want to experience together and kids will never forget. I want this to become one of those places you simply have to see." "The goal is to erase the line between watching and participating," said Cliff Dew, CEO of Jumping Frog Entertainment, the Chief Architect & Creative Director of Inspiration Space Port. "Our team is creating a destination where you don't just learn about space exploration-you step inside it. The technology we have available today gives us the opportunity to take families places they could once only imagine." And behind all the excitement is a larger purpose. By bringing science, technology, engineering and mathematics to life through immersive, hands-on experiences, Inspiration Space Port is being designed to demonstrate STEM rather than simply teach it-sparking curiosity and giving young people new reasons to become excited about science, technology and space. And Inspiration Space Port won’t wait for families to come to it. Plans also include the Shuttle Bus Ambassador , a traveling interactive STEM experience designed to bring space exploration directly to schools, libraries, community centers and malls across Minnesota. Featuring all-new interactive STEM experiences and a state-of-the-art space shuttle simulator, the Ambassador will take the excitement of Inspiration Space Port on the road-bringing the mission to communities across the state. The project is currently in the planning and development stage, with work focused on site evaluation, attraction development, strategic partnerships, educational collaborations and sponsorship opportunities. In the coming months, new details will be revealed as the vision for Inspiration Space Port continues to take shape. Shuttle Inspiration has already made an extraordinary journey to Minnesota. Now, a new journey is about to begin. ABOUT INSPIRATION SPACE PORT: Inspiration Space Port is a proposed year-round family destination attraction being developed in Minnesota around Shuttle Inspiration, a full-scale Space Shuttle mock-up. The shuttle will be suspended and fully accessible inside a spectacular 300-foot-wide, 175-foot-tall dome wrapped in an exterior LED blanket that will create a glowing landmark visible for miles. Led creatively by Cliff Dew, CEO of Jumping Frog Entertainment and Chief Architect & Creative Director of Inspiration Space Port, Cliff and his team are designing ISP to bring space exploration to life through immersive attractions, interactive technology, simulators and hands-on STEM experiences. Learn more at: https://www.isp.earth/ MEDIA, PARTNERSHIP, SPONSORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT INQUIRIES Jason Bernick Founder, Inspiration Space Port jbernick@bernicks.com Phone: 320-656-2165 isp.earth News Source: Inspiration Space PortTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/a-space-shuttle-has-landed-in-minnesota-soon-you-will-travel-to-space-without-ever-leaving-the-ground/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™ , a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for home equity and mortgage lenders nationwide, announced today that John Aslanian, chief revenue officer, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Vanguard . The award recognizes C-level executives across mortgage, real estate and homebuilding for leadership that has driven measurable impact on their organizations and the broader housing economy over the past year. 
Image caption: FirstClose Chief Revenue Officer John Aslanian named a 2026 HousingWire Vanguard. Since joining FirstClose as chief revenue officer in March 2025, Aslanian has driven substantial growth across the business. Annual client retention has increased from 88% to 97.4%, bookings are up 170% year over year and professional services revenue has grown 501% year over year. Aslanian has also nearly tripled FirstClose’s go-to-market staff, growing the sales, account management, marketing, customer success, implementation and solutions engineering teams. “When we brought John on to lead revenue for FirstClose, we knew he'd help take this company into its next chapter,” said Tedd Smith, chief executive officer of FirstClose. “Watching him build that out with our team over the past year and a half has been incredible to see, and this recognition is well deserved.” Aslanian's career in mortgage technology spans more than 25 years, including leadership roles at Del Mar DataTrac, Encompass® by ICE Mortgage Technology® (formerly Ellie Mae) and nCino (formerly SimpleNexus). He is active in the Mortgage Bankers Association, the California MBA, ACUMA and America's Credit Unions. “I've spent 25 years in this industry, and it means a lot to be recognized this way,” Aslanian said. "None of it happens without the team we've built here. We've nearly tripled that team in under two years, and that group is why FirstClose is winning in the market right now.” The full list of 2026 HousingWire Vanguard winners is available at https://www.housingwire.com/articles/announcing-the-2026-housingwire-vanguards/ About FirstClose Headquartered in Austin, Texas, FirstClose, Inc. provides fintech solutions to home equity 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, https://www.firstclose.com/ . News Source: FirstCloseTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/firstclose-chief-revenue-officer-john-aslanian-named-a-2026-housingwire-vanguard/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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PROVO, Utah, Sept. 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Thread ( threadwallets.com ) wrapped a three-month graduation campaign by sending four members of the Class of ’26, along with the people who got them there, on a trip to the Big Island, Hawaii. The campaign, which ran from April 6 through July 2, invited thousands of graduates to enter online and on college campuses for a chance to win. No purchase required. No paid influencers. The entire $19,000 budget went to boxes filled with goodies and the trip itself. 
Photo caption: The winners of the giveaway on the Big Island. “Graduation is the loudest milestone of a young person’s life, and most brands mark it with a sale,” said Lex Hymas, Marketing Director at Thread. “We wanted to do something that actually felt like a celebration, so we sent an invitation instead of an ad. We took them on a trip and created lifelong memories with the people who are really supporting us.” Entries were collected through Instagram, TikTok, email, and campus fliers at universities across the country. Thread posted 50 pieces of content across the campaign arc, building a twelve-week narrative from the announcement through the winner reveal and the trip itself. The posts generated 4.4 million video views, 54,800 new followers against an internal goal of 3,000 to 6,000, 71,000 shares, and 43,800 comments at a 15 percent engagement rate. All of it was earned. None was paid! Midway through the campaign, Thread ran a spin-off giveaway for teachers. We did not want to forget about the teachers; they deserve to be celebrated too. Three posts later, the teacher giveaway had outrun the trip itself: 956,000 views and 18,773 new followers. The posts generated 4.4 million video views, 54,800 new followers against an internal goal of 3,000 to 6,000, 71,000 shares, and 43,800 comments at a 15 percent engagement rate - all earned, none paid. A spin-off giveaway for teachers generated an additional 956,000 views and 18,773 new followers. Total campaign cost: $19,000, with no paid influencers and no affiliate fees. ABOUT THREAD: Based in Provo, Utah, Thread (and Thread Wallets) began in 2015 with the idea of bringing expression to the wallet category and has since expanded into the bag market with innovative prints and silhouettes. Thread has made an impact with its branded elastic wallets, wristlets and lip balm holders as the go-to purse replacement for teens and young adults. Learn more at: https://www.threadwallets.com MULTIMEDIA: Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0902-s2;-threadwin-300dpi.webp Photo caption: The winners of the giveaway on the Big Island. LOGO (SVG): https://www.threadwallets.com/cdn/shop/t/1087/assets/thread-logo-black.svg News Source: ThreadTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/thread-sends-the-class-of-26-to-hawaii-in-its-first-ever-community-trip/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 2, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — What does a child do when an entire Saturday stretches out ahead with endless possibilities? In "A Perfect Saturday.., almost" (ISBN: 978-0228802990, released by Tellwell Publishing), author and retired educator Dave Jones, PsyD, takes young readers on a lively journey through one child’s ambitious plans for a bright springtime day and everything that does, and almost does, happen along the way. 
Image caption: Cover, “A Perfect Saturday.., almost,” by Dave Jones, PsyD. Designed as a playful celebration of childhood curiosity and imagination, "A Perfect Saturday.., almost" follows an active youngster from morning to evening as he fills his day with activities and adventures. As plans unfold, readers see that a perfect day does not always go exactly as expected. The story invites children to compare the character’s day with their own experiences and imagine what their own perfect Saturday might look like. Rather than simply following a fixed narrative, the book encourages readers to see themselves in the story and consider the possibilities that come with having a completely open day. “Remember when you were a kid, and you had an open, free Saturday or summer day to do anything you wanted to do?” asks Jones. “Do you remember what you actually ended up doing?” The book’s interactive spirit reflects Jones’ longstanding interest in education and child development. A retired teacher with more than four decades of experience working with regular and special education students and their families, Jones has been recognized for his innovative and multifaceted approach to teaching. Jones holds a master’s degree in special education and a Doctorate in Psychology. His career has earned him the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the nationally recognized G.A. Academy, along with numerous awards from the American Heart Association, including top leadership and lifetime achievement honors. He also developed a school garden that received recognition as the “best school garden in Chicagoland” from the Chicago Botanic Garden, with additional recognition from Newsweek magazine. Jones helped develop Illinois State recognized standards for adapted physical education and previously co-authored 10 Demandments of Creativity: Parents Edition with Professor Denis Berkson. With "A Perfect Saturday.., almost," Jones brings his educational experience and understanding of children to a story centered on something wonderfully simple: having a day ahead of you and wondering what might happen. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dave Jones, PsyD, is a retired educator with more than 40 years of experience working with children and families in both regular and special education. He holds advanced training in special education and a Doctorate in Psychology. His career has included teaching recognition, health advocacy awards, work in adapted physical education, and innovative educational projects. Outside of writing and education, Jones enjoys canoeing, fishing, wood turning, motorcycle riding, racquetball, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren. "A Perfect Saturday.., almost" is available in paperback and hardcover on Amazon and all major online retailers. BOOK SUMMARY: Author: Dave Jones Email: authorpress@tellwell.ca Buy Link: https://a.co/d/01hvxUR2 Genre: Picture Book Released: July 2026 PAPERBACK ISBN-13: 9780228802990 Publisher: Tellwell Publishing ( https://tellwell.ca ) News Source: Tellwell PublishingTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/retired-educator-dave-jones-psyd-invites-readers-to-rediscover-the-joy-of-an-unplanned-day-in-a-perfect-saturday-almost/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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SEATTLE, Wash., Sept. 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Friday Harbor , an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, today announced that its Founder and CEO Theo Ellis has been honored with HousingWire's 2026 Vanguard Award. 
Image caption: Theo Ellis of Friday Harbor. Ellis was recognized for pioneering Friday Harbor's AI pre-underwriting platform, which helps lenders identify and resolve loan issues before files reach underwriting. Under his leadership, Friday Harbor has expanded the platform across loan types, investor guidelines and lender workflows while growing to serve more than 40 lenders, including three of the nation's 15 largest independent mortgage banks. Clients have reported higher pull-through, greater fulfillment productivity and clear-to-close timelines up to five days faster. "We built Friday Harbor to put AI to work on real problems for lenders without treating governance as an afterthought," said Theo Ellis, founder and CEO of Friday Harbor. "I'm proud of what our team has accomplished and honored to see that work recognized." Ellis has also emerged as an industry voice on responsible AI adoption, contributing to initiatives with the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization (MISMO) and Community Home Lenders of America (CHLA). In 2026, Friday Harbor became the first mortgage technology provider to earn an independent AI governance compliance attestation covering fair lending, model governance, data stewardship and regulatory readiness. "The 2026 HousingWire Vanguards represent the leadership our industry needs for this moment," said HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler. "They are navigating disruption with clarity, bringing bold ideas to the table and executing strategies that create real results. Their influence extends beyond their own organizations, helping move the entire housing ecosystem toward a stronger and more innovative future." HousingWire has presented its Vanguard Awards annually since 2015, honoring executives across mortgage, real estate and homebuilding for leadership that moves their companies and the housing industry forward. The 2026 awards mark the program's 12th year. For a full list of 2026 Vanguard Award recipients, visit https://www.housingwire.com . About Friday Harbor Friday Harbor is an AI pre-underwriting platform that helps lenders identify and resolve potential issues earlier in the origination process. By analyzing borrower documents, appraisals and income calculations against investor guidelines and lender overlays, the platform helps teams deliver cleaner files, achieve fewer underwriting touches and improve individual productivity. For more information, visit https://fridayharbor.ai/ . Tags: #mortgagetech #AI #fintech News Source: Friday HarborTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/housingwire-names-friday-harbors-theo-ellis-a-2026-vanguard/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced that Vikas Rao, chief executive officer, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Vanguard. 
Image caption: Dark Matter CEO Vikas Rao. Rao, who joined Dark Matter in 2024 as deputy chief product officer and rapidly advanced to the chief executive role, was recognized for leading Dark Matter's transformation from a traditional loan origination system provider to an open, AI-forward platform. Over the past 12 months, that transformation has included the debut of model context protocol (MCP) connectivity, which allows lenders to securely deploy AI agents within the Empower® Loan Origination Solution, and significant expansions to the Aiva® Intelligence Solution, which uses predictive AI to power automation across mortgage operations. Rao has also driven transformation internally. Today, more than 95% of Dark Matter employees use AI in their daily workflows, accelerating software development and shortening the path from new idea to customer value. "I am honored to be named a 2026 HousingWire Vanguard," said Vikas Rao, CEO of Dark Matter Technologies. "This recognition reflects the work of our entire team as we've transformed Dark Matter from a traditional loan origination system provider into an open, AI-forward platform - one that gives lenders the tools to build, not just wait for a roadmap." "The 2026 HousingWire Vanguards represent the leadership our industry needs for this moment," said HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler. "They are navigating disruption with clarity, bringing bold ideas to the table and executing strategies that create real results. Their influence extends beyond their own organizations, helping move the entire housing ecosystem toward a stronger and more innovative future." The award, which began in 2015, recognizes executives whose leadership and strategic vision are shaping the future of the housing economy. This year's nominees were evaluated on their leadership accomplishments, contributions to organizational growth, influence within the housing economy and ability to drive meaningful change. The winners stand out for their ability to turn complex market challenges into opportunities, lead consequential initiatives and position their companies for long-term success. For a full list of 2026 Vanguard recipients, visit https://www.housingwire.com . ABOUT DARK MATTER TECHNOLOGIES: Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry's leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers powerful technology with unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders, servicers and companies nationwide. For more information, visit https://dmatter.com/ . News Source: Dark Matter TechnologiesTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/dark-matter-ceo-vikas-rao-named-a-2026-housingwire-vanguard/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — DocMagic® announced today that Chief Operating Officer Lori Johnson has been named a 2026 HousingWire Vanguard. 
Image caption: DocMagic's Lori Johnson named a 2026 HousingWire Vanguard. An industry veteran of more than 30 years, Johnson was honored for guiding DocMagic through a period of rapid innovation marked by milestones ranging from powering the industry's first MERS® eRegistry-registered electronic home equity line of credit (eHELOC) to expanding the Total eClose™ platform with new in-person electronic notarization (IPEN) capabilities. As the industry moves toward AI-enabled workflows, Johnson is helping to lead that charge for DocMagic, playing a key role in advancing the company's Intelligent Agentic Network (IAN). "Lori makes digital mortgage innovation operational for our customers and our organization," said Pat Theodora, CEO of DocMagic. "She understands what it takes to move an idea from development into real-world mortgage workflows and, ultimately, make it work for lenders at scale. Her leadership and technical expertise have helped DocMagic remain at the forefront of mortgage technology for decades, making her a true Vanguard in every sense of the word." "The 2026 HousingWire Vanguards represent the leadership our industry needs for this moment," said HousingWire Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler. "They are navigating disruption with clarity, bringing bold ideas to the table and executing strategies that create real results. Their influence extends beyond their own organizations, helping move the entire housing ecosystem toward a stronger and more innovative future." Launched in 2015, the HousingWire Vanguard Awards are now in their 12th year recognizing executives whose leadership has made a measurable impact on the housing economy. Honorees are selected based on tangible evidence of industry impact, including their role in driving organizational growth, advancing innovation, strengthening the broader housing ecosystem and influencing industry standards or policy. For a full list of 2026 Vanguard Award recipients, visit https://www.housingwire.com . About DocMagic: DocMagic® 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 https://www.docmagic.com/ . Logo link for media: https://www.docmagic.com/sites/default/files/img/logo/docmagic-logo-reg.png News Source: DocMagic, Inc.To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/docmagics-lori-johnson-named-a-2026-housingwire-vanguard/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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SALINA, Kan., Sept. 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) - Central Kansas United Youth Soccer (CKU) today announced it has selected Teams Elevated as the club’s team management platform. The system now carries team rosters, scheduling, and club-wide communication for roughly 150 players ages 5 to 14 and 15 coaches across 16 teams, with about 100 player, coach, and administrator accounts already active. 
Image caption: Teams Elevated and CKU met at a soccer convention in February 2026. Together, they embarked on the journey together to get CKU to be a part of the Teams Elevated platform. The rollout starts with CKU’s recreational program, with the club’s other teams to follow. Before this, CKU had no team management platform - no shared roster, no club calendar, and no single place a family could check. Communication lived apart from everything else, spread across email, phone calls, and a separate messaging app, none of which knew who was on which team. “If a practice time moved, that meant chasing people down in three different places, and no matter how careful you were, somebody got missed,” said Victor Devora, Director of Central Kansas United Youth Soccer. “That’s not anybody’s fault. It’s just what happens when a club grows faster than its paperwork.” The club began with the two features that touched that problem most directly: team rostering and the shared calendar. “We asked a lot of questions before we committed, and the Teams Elevated team answered every one of them, usually within the hour,” Devora said. “A family can pull up their team and their schedule from their phone in about two minutes, which is what they already expect from every other part of their lives. When we put what we were getting next to what it cost us, it was an easy call.” LIVE NOW
Central Kansas United Youth Soccer 760-709-1706 centralkansasunited@gmail.com Matthew Weedon, Director of Marketing Teams Elevated matthew@teamselevated.com MULTIMEDIA: Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0901-s2p-teamselv-300dpi.webp Image caption: Teams Elevated and CKU met at a soccer convention in February 2026. Together, they embarked on the journey together to get CKU to be a part of the Teams Elevated platform. News Source: Teams ElevatedTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/central-kansas-united-youth-soccer-selects-teams-elevated-for-full-club-management-platform/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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NEW YORK, N.Y., Sept. 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — "Pitch Black: The best Black ads of the past 50+ years" (ISBN: 978-1736621585), a new book by advertising luminary, Mark Robinson, officially goes on sale September 7, 2026, and is destined to challenge what you think you know about American business, fashion and culture. "Pitch Black," chronicles a pivotal chapter in America's Civil Rights movement. 
Image caption: Cover, "Pitch Black: The best Black ads of the past 50+ years," by Mark Robinson. "What if the most influential architects of modern American pop culture weren’t the ad men of 'Mad Men,' but the unsung Black creatives who built their own ad agencies in the shadows of Jim Crow?" asks the author. The advertising images and messages contained in this comprehensive coffee table book chronicle a previously unrecorded chapter in the history of American business, fashion and culture, revealing how advertising created by Black people and for Black people became one of the most effective tools of the Civil Rights movement, changing the world's perception of Black America. "Today, African Americans have become masters of culture, art and commerce. Today, there is no pop culture without Black people. And there is no commerce without pop culture," says Robinson. But this has been a long journey. How we got here is the story of Black America in the advertising of the past fifty years. Between chapters of historical curation, the book showcases the best Black advertising images of the past 50 years, hand-selected by a panel of some of the top Black creative leaders in advertising. Mark Robinson has spent the past 45 years in advertising at the industry's most prestigious agencies featured in Fortune, NY Times, Wall Street Journal, Black Enterprise and Advertising Age. Robinson is a past member of the American Advertising Federation's Multicultural Marketing Leadership Council, a national touring lecturer for the Advertising Educational Foundation, and an ongoing mentor for the American Association of Advertising Agencies. Mark was chosen by filmmaker Spike Lee to co-found and manage his agency, Spike/DDB. Mark's previous book, "Black On Madison Avenue," winner of an astounding 9 literary excellence awards, is part memoir and part explosive history of "America's most un-diverse white collar profession." Even before this book's official release on September 7, 2026, "Pitch Black" has already received four national awards for literary excellence; the Literary Titan Award, the Booky Award, Readers Favorite, and the Firebird Book Award. And now, praise has begun pouring in from across the advertising world. "Mark Robinson has done it again. In 'Pitch Black' he's brought together a wide range of advertisements with a bunch that you'll remember and some that you've overlooked. And alongside the ads, he's brought sharp analysis written in his trademark style. And his is no mere surface analysis, Mark goes deep into the history to uncover the stories behind the creation and intention of the ads and their impact on society and Black culture," said JASON P. CHAMBERS, Ph.D.; Author, Associate Professor, Advertising, University of Illinois. "'Pitch Black' brilliantly shows the cultural and economic upside of getting it right, and the implications of getting it wrong. It’s a brilliant read with practical advice and insights that are just as relevant today as they were back then," said John Osborn, President, SeenThis, former CEO of BBDO & OMD. Where can you go to see examples of the best and most successful advertising created for - and created by - African Americans? There is no central archive, library or museum where a collection of this great and historic work is accessible or exhibited. Remarkably, "Pitch Black" represents the first ever archive of that excellent creative work. MORE INFORMATION: Author website: https://markrobinson-writing.com/ Learn more about "Pitch Black": https://markrobinson-writing.com/pitch-black-a-new-book-coming-in-2026 Watch the "Pitch Black" Trailer (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsXQMgrn4ng On sale September 7, 2026, wherever you buy books. IMAGE link for media: https://d1an6hb2j63rg7.cloudfront.net/Pitch_Black_v8_9194e6793a.jpg Image caption: Cover, "Pitch Black: The best Black ads of the past 50+ years," by Mark Robinson. News Source: Author Mark S. RobinsonTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/how-black-identity-in-all-its-freshness-and-different-beauty-turned-blackness-into-a-brand-that-america-wanted-to-buy/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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LOS ANGELES, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — With Labor Day weekend expected to pack U.S. airports, free parking marketplace Parksy ( parksy.com ) today published a count of its listed parking within five miles of 14 major American hubs: nearly 2,000 spaces in total, led by Boston Logan with 491 - and spread so unevenly that the company says driveways near airports are now the most underused asset in American travel. 
Image caption: Parksy logo. The map has a clear top and bottom. Boston Logan leads with 491 listed options within five miles, followed by Los Angeles International with 290, Newark with 232 and Phoenix Sky Harbor with 184. At the thin end sit San Francisco with 40, Dallas Fort Worth with 31 and Denver with 14. The 14-airport total of 1,950 comes out of more than 32,000 spaces listed on Parksy across the United States. Price is the second half of the story. Daily rates on Parksy’s own airport-area listings mostly run between 10 and 29 dollars, with Newark the dearest market and Denver the cheapest. For a traveler leaving a car for a week, the difference between a terminal garage and a listed space a short ride away routinely pays for the checked bag. For homeowners, the same map reads as an income statement. A house near an airport comes with noise, traffic and one quiet compensation: a driveway that airport travelers will happily rent by the week. Listing one on Parksy is free at https://www.parksy.com/rent-your-space-free - no posting fee, no commission taken, no lease paperwork - and airport parking suits residential spaces unusually well, since the car simply sits there while its owner is in another state. “An airport is a hotel for cars, and the hotel is always overbooked,” said Daniel Battaglia, founder and CEO of Parksy. “Meanwhile the houses under the flight path have empty driveways all week. Matching those two facts is the easiest problem in travel, and we decided the match should cost nothing.” The platform arrives with the rest of Parksy’s technology in the traveler’s pocket. Apps are live on both major app stores, and the company’s free tools include a find-my-parked-car feature built for the long-term lot at https://www.parksy.com/find-my-parked-car and a roadside accident report that works without phone signal. Most tools require no signup. “Every one of these airports will set traffic records this weekend, and every one is surrounded by empty residential concrete,” Battaglia said. “The parking crisis at American airports is not a supply problem. It is an introduction problem.” Travelers can compare listed parking near any U.S. airport at https://www.parksy.com/book-affordable-and-secure-airport-parking-nearby . ABOUT PARKSY Parksy ( parksy.com ) is a free, commission-free parking marketplace operating across 57 countries. Drivers use Parksy to find and book parking, appeal unfair fines with a free AI-powered calculator, scan confusing signage, locate a parked car, and report accidents - all at no cost and with no signup required for most tools. Space owners list and rent out driveways, garages and unused spots for free, with no commission and no lease paperwork. Parksy was founded in 2011 by Daniel Battaglia and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Learn more: https://www.parksy.com/ MEDIA CONTACT: Daniel Battaglia Founder & CEO, Parksy parksy.com | daniel@parksy.com https://linkedin.com/in/danielmbattaglia/ Previously: Lehman Brothers, RBC Capital Markets, Macquarie Bank LOGO link for media (svg): https://www.parksy.com/modules/custom/header/images/parksy-logo.svg News Source: Parking Made Easy Pty Ltd trading as ParksyTo view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/parksy-counts-nearly-2000-airport-parking-options-near-14-major-u-s-hubs-as-labor-day-travel-peaks/ . This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com . |
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