AP
Small Homes, Big Impact: CFI Conference Aligns with WHO’s Global Call for Social Connection
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — As global recognition of loneliness intensifies following a landmark World Health Organization (WHO) report identifying loneliness as a public health crisis, the Center for Innovation (CFI) is convening leaders from across the country to showcase bold, evidence-based solutions. At the 2025 CFI Conference, held August 11-14 in St. Louis, senior care innovators will explore how small home models, including the nationally recognized Green House Project, are working to reduce social disconnection through intentional design and urban innovation….
LearnWise AI Launches an AI Feedback and Grading Solution to Help Faculty Provide Higher-Quality, Ethical Feedback at Scale to Students
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — Amsterdam-based education technology scaleup LearnWise AI, an AI platform for enhancing the student experience, has released an innovative AI solution to transform the way educators provide feedback and grades to students….
Optimal Blue Fully Automates Best Efforts Locking Directly with Investors
PLANO, Texas — Optimal Blue today announced a new capability in its industry-leading product, pricing and eligibility (PPE) engine that fully automates the process for a lock desk user to execute best efforts locks directly with participating investors via API. By eliminating the last remaining manual step in the locking life cycle, Optimal Blue is delivering innovations and enhancements that will help significantly increase a lender’s efficiency and profitability….
45 new assistance programs launched during Q2 2025, bringing the total number of nationwide programs to a record-breaking 2,554
ATLANTA, Ga. — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q2 2025 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. The report finds 45 new programs launched in Q2, traditionally the busiest homebuying season, bringing the total number of available programs to 2,554 – a new record – and the number of program providers to 1,340….
Class Valuation’s Elite Appraiser Panel opens new business opportunities for the nation’s top appraisers
TROY, Mich. — Class Valuation, a leading real estate appraisal management company (AMC), announced today that its Elite Appraiser Panel, a groundbreaking program, has doubled in size during the past 12 months and is setting new standards for professional excellence. Class Valuation’s exclusive, invitation-only Elite Panel now comprises hundreds of high-performing appraisers nationwide….
TMC July 2025 Pulse of the Network survey finds mortgage lenders leaning into automation, leadership development, and product innovation to stay competitive
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Amid one of the mortgage industry’s most prolonged stretches of cost pressure and market uncertainty, the latest Pulse of the Network survey from The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC) reports that lenders are responding with creativity and nimble thinking, anchored by a clear commitment to long-term resilience….
Simpson Foundation Awards $75,500 In Employee Scholarships Across Three Communities
WEST GROVE, Pa. — The Simpson Foundation has awarded a total of $75,500 in employee scholarships to 25 dedicated team members across three Simpson communities: Jenner’s Pond, Simpson Meadows, and Simpson House. The scholarship recipients – ranging from teens just beginning their academic journey to adult learners advancing their careers – were honored in ceremonies held in July at each respective campus….
Friday Harbor adds Chris Simms, Gregory Buehler to leadership team to accelerate AI-powered mortgage origination
SEATTLE, Wash. — Friday Harbor, an AI-powered platform that helps loan officers assemble complete and compliant loan files in real time, announced two strategic hires today: Chris Simms has joined as head of strategic partnerships, and Gregory Buehler has joined as founding product manager. They bring over 35 years of combined experience in mortgage lending, product strategy and technology innovation….
‘COME TOGETHER — A Community for Wine’ Announces Second Annual ‘Come Over October’ Campaign
ST. HELENA, Calif. — COME TOGETHER — A Community for Wine today announced that planning is underway for its highly anticipated second annual “Come Over October” campaign, building on the extraordinary success of 2024’s inaugural initiative. The community-driven wine platform continues to demonstrate the power of authentic connection through wine appreciation, preparing to expand its reach and impact even further this fall….
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Welcomes New Board Members
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Glancy Wine Education Foundation (GWEF) today announced the appointment of two new board members, Brandon Ford and Annie Shi, as the organization marks a leadership transition with the stepping down of Vice President Alder Yarrow after five years of dedicated service….