Free News Articles
40% Jump in Rate-and-Term Refis Drives Overall Lock Growth as Purchase Activity Stalls
PLANO, Texas — 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 Chamber Orchestra announces winner of its International Call-for-Scores
LOWELL, Mass. — 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….
Writers Protest Fed Crackdown On Iowa University Writing Program
IOWA CITY, Iowa — 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….
The Mortgage Collaborative 3.16.25 Mortgage Tech Day Presents Five Startups to Compete in Dallas Pitch Event
DALLAS, Texas — 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)….
Glancy Wine Education Foundation Expands to Become National Scholarship Organization
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — 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….
Fifth Third’s Nikki Bialka to spotlight fair lending strategies and equitable homeownership on The Big Picture
CLEVELAND, Ohio — 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….
IRS Solutions® Named as American Society of Tax Problem Solvers (ASTPS) Partner
VALENCIA, Calif. — 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)….
[2025 Latest] Bluetooth Tech to Spoof Pokémon GO on iOS with FonesGo Location Changer
NEW YORK, N.Y. — 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….
Author Karin Kiser Launches ‘Before the Camino’ to Prepare New and Returning Pilgrims to Walk the Camino de Santiago
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — 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….
Rhode Sense Joins Move For Hunger to Tackle Food Waste and Hunger
NEPTUNE, N.J. — 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….