U.S. Business News

U.S. Business News – including US-based business, entertainment, finance, health and medical, non-profit, public policy and technology news from US business, as issued by the Send2Press Newswire service.


Dark Matter Technologies enables secure AI agents inside the Empower LOS for regulated lending

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced the launch of a new capability on the Dark Matter Developer Platform, enabling lenders to use AI agents securely within the regulated mortgage environment.

TO LIVE AND WRITE IN LA: Veteran Screenwriter Jim Agnew Delivers an Unfiltered Guide to Surviving Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In a brutally honest and darkly humorous exploration of the film and television industry, veteran screenwriter Jim Agnew announces the release of “To Live and Write in LA: A Street-Level Guide to Surviving as a Screenwriter” (ISBN: 979-8218906696; published by Independent Global Solutions), brand partner Legacy Launch Pad Publishing announced today.

CCHR: Psychiatry Concedes Antidepressant Withdrawal Can Be Severe and Prolonged

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 25, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Citizens Commission on Human Rights International (CCHR) says a landmark article published in Psychiatric Times confirms what patients, independent researchers, and CCHR have documented and warned about for more than three decades: SSRI antidepressant withdrawal is more common and severe than previously acknowledged and frequently misdiagnosed.

Friday Harbor introduces dynamic pre-underwriting to help LOs structure deals that qualify and close

SEATTLE, Wash., Feb. 24, 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 the launch of Income and Asset Sandbox, a new set of capabilities that allows lending teams to structure income and asset decisions in real time without committing changes prematurely or stepping outside program guidelines. The capabilities are designed to help loan officers structure deals that qualify and close earlier in the origination process.

Industry-first AI/ML-powered forecasting tool headlines extensive lineup of mortgage capital markets innovations unveiled at 2026 Optimal Blue Summit

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today announced Virtual Economist, the first on-demand forecasting tool for mortgage capital markets leaders powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), as the centerpiece of nine platform advancements unveiled at the company’s 2026 Summit. Together, the innovations further unify the capital markets profitability experience by connecting forecasting, pricing, hedging, competitive benchmarking and workflow execution within a single, end-to-end platform.

Vertyx and Great Lakes Credit Union launch CUSO to support modernized mortgage servicing for credit unions

BANNOCKBURN, Ill., and NEW YORK, N.Y., Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Vertyx, a provider of intelligent mortgage servicing technology built for enhanced portfolio performance, today announced it has partnered with Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), through its CUSO holding company GLCU Holdings LLC, to launch Vertyx CUSO LLC, a newly formed credit union service organization (CUSO) dedicated to transforming mortgage servicing with a member-first philosophy and shared, credit union focused technology.

Down Payment Resource honors Merri Jo Cowen with 2025 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that 40-year industry veteran Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS, is the recipient of the 2025 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award.

Dovenmuehle’s 2025 SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type 2 reports underscore high data security standards and robust internal controls

LAKE ZURICH, Ill., Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Dovenmuehle Mortgage, Inc., a leading mortgage subservicing company, today announced it has successfully completed its 2025 Service Organization Control (SOC) 1® Type 2 and SOC 2® Type 2 audits. The independent examinations, conducted by public accounting and business advisory firm Plante Moran, PLLC, confirm that Dovenmuehle’s internal controls, operational processes and information security practices meet stringent standards for financial reporting integrity and the safeguarding of client data.

Natural Transplants Named #1 Among Top Hair Restoration Clinics in Florida by Miami Living Magazine

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As the demand for highly discreet aesthetic procedures continues to rise among executives and high-profile individuals, Natural Transplants, Hair Restoration Clinic, has been officially ranked the number one facility by Miami Living Magazine in its latest feature, “Florida’s Top 6 Hair Restoration Clinics for Natural & Undetectable Results.”

Click n’ Close Names Rachel Fatino Director of Correspondent Operations

ADDISON, Texas, Feb. 24, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Click n’ Close, a multi-state mortgage lender, today announced that mortgage industry veteran Rachel Fatino has joined the company as director of correspondent operations. In this role, Fatino will lead pipeline strategy, operational performance and partner engagement initiatives to support continued growth across the correspondent channel.

National Solo Aging Expert Dr. Sara Zeff Geber to Lead Hillcrest LaVerne Seminar on Planning for a Secure Future

LA VERNE, Calif., Feb. 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Hillcrest, a senior living community in La Verne, Calif., is hosting nationally recognized solo aging expert Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, PhD, founder of LifeEncore, for an educational seminar focused on preparing solo agers for the future. The free event will take place on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and will cover legal and financial strategies for maintaining independence. A solo ager is defined as anyone, single or partnered, who does not have children or is aging alone for any reason.

Black Friday Opens Door for Global Brands to Win the World’s Most Powerful Retail Moment

MIAMI, Fla., Feb. 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Black Friday, the most recognized and influential name in global retail, is officially expanding beyond a single day-offering banks, global retailers, technology platforms, and brands worldwide a new opportunity to win with the most powerful shopping identity ever created, Empire License, Inc. announced today.

Las Vegas: Emerging as a Prime Market for First-Time Home Buyers

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Feb. 23, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In recent years, Las Vegas has undergone a significant transformation in its real estate landscape, emerging as an attractive market for first-time home buyers, eXp Realty announced today. Historically known for its vibrant entertainment scene and rapid development, the city has experienced shifts in affordability, inventory, and economic stability that now make it an appealing choice for those purchasing their first home.

FirstClose and TruStage form partnership to accelerate dynamic credit union lending documentation

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 19, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — FirstClose™, Inc., a leading fintech provider of data and workflow solutions for mortgage and home equity lenders nationwide, today announced a strategic partnership with TruStage to embed TruStage’s dynamic document engine within the FirstClose platform.

Fahe Launches Multi-State Housing Can’t Wait Campaign to Confront the Economic and Workforce Impact of Housing Shortages

BEREA, Ky., Feb. 19, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Fahe today announced the expansion of its Housing Can’t Wait® initiative through a coordinated, multi-state advocacy campaign designed to elevate housing as a central economic and workforce priority across Appalachia. Across Appalachia, housing shortages are not accidental.

Independent Service Center Becomes Vanderhall Owners’ Fix-It Hub After OEM Falls Short

PLAINFIELD, Ill., Feb. 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Premiere Motorsports announces the official launch of the nation’s first dedicated Vanderhall service center – Premiere Service & Performance – positioning itself as the go-to resource for Vanderhall owners seeking expert solutions to known manufacturer defects and design limitations.

Jenner’s Pond Introduces Spacious, Newly Designed Cottages Designed for How Older Adults Want to Live: Connected, Independent, and at Ease

WEST GROVE, Pa., Feb. 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Jenner’s Pond in Chester County, one of Simpson’s Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), offers spacious cottages with new finishes, designed for today’s active, modern elders looking for alternatives or to upsize to a forever home. With up to 3,600 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, the cottages provide an option to skip the condo phase and settle directly into a 62+ Life Plan Community.

Secured Signing Reaches a Major Milestone: Now SOC 2® Type 2 Compliant

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Secured Signing, a leader in Digital Signatures and Remote Online Notarization (RON) solutions, is proud to announce that it has officially achieved SOC 2® Type 2 compliance. This isn’t just another certificate on the wall. Following a grueling, comprehensive audit by the experts at Sensiba LLP, this achievement serves as a formal, third-party validation of our unwavering commitment to protecting your most sensitive information.

ACES Q3 2025 Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report shows concentrated rise in critical defects as income and compliance findings increase

DENVER, Colo., Feb. 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, today announced the release of its quarterly ACES Mortgage QC Industry Trends Report covering Q3 2025. The report analyzes post-closing quality control data derived from the ACES Quality Management & Control® software.

Tratta Releases 2026 Reality Check Debt Collection Industry Report

BRAINERD, Minn., Feb. 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Tratta announces the release of “The 2026 Reality Check: The Widening Gap Between Digital Ambition and Maturity,” a new industry survey report examining how debt collection agencies, legal recovery firms, and original creditors are progressing in their digital transformation efforts.

BEAM Collaborative and Murphy Business Sales Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Local Businesses and Keep Them Local

PITTSBURGH, Pa., Feb. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — BEAM Collaborative, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening local businesses and keeping them locally owned, today announced a strategic partnership with Murphy Business Sales – West Pittsburgh, a leading full-service business brokerage firm serving Western Pennsylvania.

3rd3rd Marketing and AgingIN Tackle Senior Living’s Workforce Crisis

SEATTLE, Wash., Feb. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As senior living communities continue to navigate workforce challenges that directly impact care quality and operations, 3rd3rd Marketing and AgingIN are partnering to present a timely webinar: “Workforce That Stays: Creative Strategies to Attract, Inspire, & Retain a Mission-Driven Team” on Friday, February 27, geared toward senior living executives, HR professionals, and community leaders looking to build a sustainable workforce.

Run 2 The Rescue Featured in PEOPLE – Major National Spotlight Amplifies Mission to Save Dogs from China’s Dog Meat Trade

NEW YORK, N.Y., Feb. 17, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Run 2 The Rescue, a Sag Harbor-based nonprofit with rescue operations and a shelter in Beijing, China, has been featured in PEOPLE in an exclusive story highlighting the dramatic transformation of Kronk, an injured Malamute rescued from the dog meat trade.

Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc., Purchases Mill Hole Cave and Surrounding Lands

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Feb. 14, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) announced today the successful acquisition of Mill Hole Cave, along with 76 acres of surrounding land. Located in Jackson County, Alabama, the Mill Hole Preserve adjoins the Skyline Wildlife Management Area, marking SCCi’s 39th preserve.

Virtual Staging Struggles to Sell Real Estate

NAPA, Calif., Feb. 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Staging Collective, a growing organization of more than 45 leading staging companies in North America, sees the challenges that virtual staging creates for consumers in purchasing homes every day. Though there is growing investment in virtual and AI design tools, particularly at Zillow, this group of business owners know that virtually staged homes take longer to sell than homes being traditionally staged after lingering on the market virtually staged.

Hillcrest Gallery Showcases Ganesha High School Student Art Honoring Black History Month

LA VERNE, Calif., Feb. 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Gallery at Hillcrest will host an on-site showcase of advanced art by Ganesha High School students in grades 10 through 12, opening February 20 in celebration of Black History Month. Hillcrest is a nonprofit senior community that supports local artists through its on-campus gallery.

ViewTech Borescopes Brings Cost-Saving Inspection Solutions to NDTMA Annual Conference Debut in Las Vegas

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Feb. 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — ViewTech Borescopes, North America’s leading seller of video borescopes, will be exhibiting for the first time at the Nondestructive Testing Management Association (NDTMA) Annual Conference. The annual event is scheduled to take place this year from February 17-19, 2026, at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

January 2026 Surges with a 22% Increase in New Industrial Projects Erasing December’s Decline of 20%

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Feb. 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads released its January 2026 New Planned Capital Project Spending Report for the Industrial Manufacturing sector, highlighting a strong rebound in project activity. The Firm monitors planned industrial capital investments across North America, including plant expansions, new facility construction, and major equipment modernization initiatives.

Jenner’s Pond and Simpson Meadows Lead with First In-State Comfort Matters® Memory Care with Accreditation

WEST GROVE, Pa., Feb. 12, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Simpson announces its memory care programs at Jenner’s Pond and Simpson Meadows are the first in Pennsylvania to receive the prestigious Comfort Matters® accreditation, and one of only 43 worldwide. The distinction recognizes Simpson’s commitment to providing person-directed dementia care that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being for individuals living with dementia.

Elder Care Reforms, Advances and Call to Action: AgingIN’s Elevate Eldercare Podcast Tackles Long-Term Care Challenges

BALTIMORE, Md., Feb. 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — AgingIN, a global leader in long-term care culture transformation, released a special episode of the Elevate Eldercare podcast today, featuring a candid conversation between AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan and Susie Singer Carter, creator of the documentary “No Country for Old People.” The episode explores the film’s unflinching look at aging services and calls for a multilayered movement grounded in accountability, public pressure, and cultural change.

BEAM Collaborative and SMB.co Partner to Strengthen Local Businesses and Keep Main Street Local

PITTSBURGH, Pa., Feb. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — BEAM Collaborative today announced a strategic partnership with SMB.co, an AI-powered marketplace for buying and selling small businesses. Together, the organizations will strengthen local businesses and keep them locally owned by making business succession simpler, more accessible, and more sustainable for buyers, sellers, and communities.

Bernard F. Walsh Recognized as 2026 Lead Counsel Verified by LawInfo in Florida Personal Injury Law

SARASOTA, Fla., Feb. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Bernard F. Walsh, a senior partner at Goldman Babboni Fernandez Murphy & Walsh, has been named Lead Counsel Verified for 2026 in Florida Personal Injury law. This independent designation is issued by LawInfo, a premier national lawyer directory and legal resource that has served consumers for nearly three decades.

The UPSHOT League Announces its Women’s Professional Basketball Tryouts

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — A new chapter in women’s professional basketball begins on March 1, 2026, as The UPSHOT League hosts its first open tryout for female athletes pursuing a professional pathway. The Hoops Showcase will take place from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Novant Fieldhouse in Greensboro, North Carolina. The UPSHOT League is a newly formed women’s professional basketball league built on the pillars of opportunity and community, with a mission to uplift players, fans, and the cities it serves.

By Light To Acquire Digitas Technologies

MCLEAN, Va., Feb. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — By Light Professional IT Services LLC (By Light), a leading provider of Modeling & Simulation and Cyber products and solutions and a portfolio company of Sagewind Capital LLC (Sagewind), today announced that it has acquired Dignitas Technologies (Dignitas), a leading provider of Modeling, Simulation, & Training (MS&T) products and solutions. Financial terms of the transaction were not announced.

New Food and Beverage Planned Projects Return to May 2025 Levels

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla., Feb. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Industrial SalesLeads announced today the Food & Beverage new planned capital project spending report for January 2026. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction and significant equipment modernization projects. January 2026 recorded 48 new planned projects, a decline that returns activity to the previous year’s lowest level, last seen in May 2025.

Vertyx to showcase intelligent loan servicing technology at MBA Servicing Solutions Conference & Expo

NEW YORK, N.Y., Feb. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Vertyx, a provider of intelligent mortgage servicing technology built for enhanced portfolio performance, today announced that company Co-Founders Ayo Opeyemi and Moyin Opeyemi will participate in a live demo session during the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Servicing Solutions Conference & Expo, which runs from Feb. 16-19.

Optimal Blue report: Sub-6% rates spark refinance surge early in 2026

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 10, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Optimal Blue today released its January 2026 Market Advantage mortgage data report, showing a strong start to the year as falling rates drove a sharp increase in refinance activity. Total rate-lock volume rose 16% month over month (MoM) and finished January 36% higher year over year (YoY), led by a surge in rate-and-term refinances, which climbed 50% from December and more than 400% compared with January 2025.

The Mortgage Collaborative and Mortgage Bankers Association announce partnership agreement

SAN DIEGO, Calif., Feb. 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation’s largest independent cooperative network for mortgage lenders and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the national association representing the real estate finance industry, announced today that they have entered into a strategic partnership to expand advocacy, education and engagement opportunities for their members.

CCHR: Billions of Dollars Wasted on Mental Health Research with Worsening Outcomes

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 9, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Research waste at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is reportedly costing U.S. taxpayers over $100 million annually, according to analyses of completed NIH-funded trials. With an annual budget of $48 billion, the NIH is the largest public funder of health, including mental health research, in the world. Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) International, a mental health industry watchdog, says transparency failures, poor patient benefits, and mounting evidence of waste are a serious concern.

Pearls, Moonstone, and Opal: The ‘Cloud Dancer’ Gems to Know for Valentine’s Day

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Feb. 6, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — On the heels of Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, the American Gem Society is sharing Valentine’s Day inspiration featuring luminous white gemstones like pearls, moonstone, and white opal, timeless pieces that feel modern, romantic, and easy to wear long after February 14.