Miss Earth USA 2026 Gia Soleil Espinoza to Host September 17 Runway Featuring Designers Dell Scott and Julieta Zavala and Emerging Talent from University of Delaware and Delaware State University

NEW CASTLE, Del., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What can a donated piece of clothing become in the hands of a designer?

Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County will answer that question on the runway on September 17, when its third annual ReThink Fashion Show – the ECO Edit transforms donated textiles into one-of-a-kind fashion created by established designers and some of the region's emerging design talent.

This year's runway marks an evolution for ReThink: every look featured in the show will be created from textiles sourced through Goodwill and reimagined, reconstructed and transformed into original fashion.

Miss Earth USA 2026 Gia Soleil Espinoza will host the evening, which will feature collections from established designers Dell Scott and Julieta Zavala alongside student designers from the University of Delaware Department of Fashion & Apparel Studies and Delaware State University Department of Textiles and Apparel Studies.

ReThink Fashion Show – the ECO Edit takes place Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Goodwill's Outlet & Recycling Center, 400 Centerpoint Blvd. in New Castle. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for general admission (6 p.m. for VIP ticket holders).

"The ReThink Fashion Show is about seeing possibility where others might not," said Colleen Morrone, President & CEO of Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County. "These talented designers are using unsold donated textiles and transforming them into entirely new fashions. That's a powerful way to demonstrate what reuse can look like, while also connecting people to Goodwill's larger mission of creating opportunity in our communities."

From Goodwill to the Runway

ReThink challenges designers to begin somewhere most fashion collections don't: with donated materials rather than new textiles.

Scott and Zavala will bring their individual design perspectives to the runway, while students from the University of Delaware and Delaware State University will demonstrate how the next generation of fashion designers is thinking about creativity, sustainability and the potential of existing materials.

Zavala, a Mexican-born designer, brings another dimension to this year's show through designs influenced by her heritage and her approach to sustainable fashion.

The result is not a traditional thrift-store fashion show. It is an exploration of what happens when designers look at an existing garment or textile not for what it was, but for what it could become.

Miss Earth USA Brings Fashion and Environmental Advocacy Together

Hosting this year's show is Miss Earth USA 2026 Gia Soleil Espinoza, whose environmental advocacy provides a natural connection to an evening centered on reuse and sustainable fashion.

Espinoza and Zavala are both Latinas of Mexican heritage, bringing additional cultural perspective and representation to this year's event while showcasing the contributions of Latina women in fashion, environmental advocacy and creative industries.

More Than a Runway Show

For one night, Goodwill's Outlet & Recycling Center will be transformed from an industrial space dedicated to extending the useful life of donated goods into an unexpected fashion destination.

Guests will arrive on a Goodwill Blue Carpet for a paparazzi-style photo experience before entering an evening designed around fashion, creativity and entertainment. The experience will include music, food and beverages from Newark-based Caffè Gelato, a 360-degree photo booth, appearances by Goodwill mascot Willie G and a curated Goodwill pop-up boutique featuring clothing, shoes and accessories.

Guests will be able to shop the boutique before and after the runway show, bringing the idea of sustainable style off the runway and into their own wardrobes.

Where People and Planet Meet

ReThink also provides a window into a side of Goodwill that many people never see.

Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County works to maximize the useful life and value of donated goods through reuse, upcycling and recycling. At the same time, revenue generated through its donated goods and retail operations helps support workforce development programs for people facing barriers to self-sufficiency.

The ReThink Fashion Show brings those two parts of Goodwill's work together: people and planet.

Every donated textile transformed for the runway demonstrates the potential to look differently at things that might otherwise be discarded. Every donation and purchase made through Goodwill also helps generate resources that support programs designed to help people gain skills, find employment and build greater economic independence.

"Our hope is that people leave ReThink inspired by what they've seen, but also thinking differently about their own choices," Morrone said. "Something you no longer want may still have tremendous value. Donating those items to Goodwill or finding a new use for them are simple choices that collectively can make a difference."

Ticket Information

Tickets ReThink Fashion Show – the ECO Edit on September 17 are available now through Eventbrite at ReThinkFashionShow2026.eventbrite.com.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for General Admission ticket holders. VIP ticket holders may enter beginning at 6 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and organizations interested in supporting sustainable fashion, emerging design talent and Goodwill's community mission. Additional information is available at GoodwillDE.org/EcoEdit, or by contacting [email protected].

Media Opportunities

Media interviews and visual opportunities are available in advance of the September 17 event, including:

- Designers sourcing materials at Goodwill

- Student designers working on their runway pieces

- Model rehearsals and behind-the-scenes styling

- Before-and-after views of donated textiles and completed runway looks

- Interviews with Miss Earth USA 2026 Gia Soleil Espinoza

- Interviews with designers Dell Scott and Julieta Zavala

- Interviews with University of Delaware and Delaware State University student designers

- Tours of the Goodwill Outlet & Recycling Center and demonstrations of how donated materials move through Goodwill's reuse and recycling system

Media interested in interviews, previews or event credentials should contact Jen Reed at (508) 944-4884 or [email protected].

About Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County

Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people facing barriers to self-sufficiency through the Power of Work! Its donated goods and retail program helps fund that mission while working to protect the planet through the responsible reuse and recycling of donated items. Goodwill's community-based workforce development programs empower people to reach their full potential, provide for themselves and their families, and contribute to the economic and social growth of their communities. Visit GoodwillDE.org to learn more.

Media Contact:

Jen Reed

(508) 944-4884

[email protected]

SOURCE Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County

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Chad Smith brings more than two decades of mortgage leadership experience to PLACE, drove revenue gains at Better.com

BELLINGHAM, Wash., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PLACE, a real estate and financial services technology unicorn, announced today it's appointed Chad Smith as CEO of Envoy Mortgage and President of PLACE's Mortgage and Financial Services division, signaling a deeper integration of Envoy into the PLACE homeownership ecosystem. The appointment will continue to bolster the homeownership ecosystem at PLACE with a full service mortgage lender, offering consumers a more connected experience, and connecting real estate professionals and institutions with highly productive loan officers and mortgage operations.

"Home financing has long been one of the most opaque aspects of the real estate transaction, but it doesn't have to be that way," said Ben Kinney, the Co-Founder and CEO of PLACE. "By integrating Envoy Mortgage and its highly productive loan officers and operations into the PLACE ecosystem, we'll be able to offer consumers a more transparent, seamless, and connected experience. Adding a leader like Smith will allow us to accelerate growth of our mortgage business while deepening our connected offerings for consumers, real estate professionals, and financial institutions."

Envoy has spent the last three years investing deeply in technology, people, and processes, and it's led to significant growth in both productivity and market share, giving the real estate professionals partnering with PLACE a mortgage company with both a large national footprint and highly productive loan officers and operations.

For Envoy, joining the PLACE ecosystem will allow them to partner more deeply with top real estate professionals across brokerage, title, transaction coordination, utility, and other real estate services. Integration into the PLACE ecosystem will only further increase those productivity gains.

PLACE is a real estate technology and financial services company powering a comprehensive homeownership ecosystem while partnering with and supporting the professionals and institutions that drive the real estate journey. PLACE offers an integrated and diversified portfolio of technology, business services, consumer solutions, and institutional services.

Smith brings more than two decades of mortgage leadership experience to PLACE, including a recent stint as COO and President of Better.com where he helped drive gains in revenue and funded loan volume, which have both grown 2.5x since the first quarter of 2024. He was previously the CEO of Mission Loans and President of Direct Lending at loanDepot.

"I am ecstatic to join the PLACE family," Smith, newly appointed CEO of Envoy Mortgage, said. "Partnering with PLACE allows Envoy to expand its footprint and work with more of the best talent in the real estate industry as we transform the consumer experience through proprietary tech and top mortgage professionals."

About PLACE

PLACE is a category-defining real estate and homeownership technology platform that partners with leading real estate professionals and businesses to deliver integrated technology, business services, and a connected consumer experience. PLACE brings together real estate, mortgage, title and escrow, property management, and home services to simplify the journey of buying, selling, and owning a home. For more information, visit www.PLACE.com.

About Envoy

Envoy Mortgage is a full-service national mortgage lender, founded in 1997 and headquartered in Houston, Texas. Envoy offers a full suite of mortgage services, including loan products, refinancing options, and home buying support. For more information, visit www.envoymortgage.com.

SOURCE PLACE Inc.

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LINKÖPING, Sweden, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the international medical imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra (STO:SECTB) was held today September 8, 2026. The AGM resolved, in accordance with the Board's proposal, to distribute an ordinary dividend and an extraordinary dividend to the shareholders.

It was resolved that the ordinary dividend shall amount to SEK 1.30 per share and that the extraordinary dividend shall amount to SEK 1.00 per share, representing a total of SEK 2.30 per share, and that the remaining funds shall be carried forward. The record date for receiving dividends is Thursday, September 10, 2026. The dividend is expected to be paid on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, through Euroclear Sweden AB.

Election of the Board and auditor, and resolutions on fees

Jan-Olof Brüer, Birgitta Hagenfeldt, Torbjörn Kronander, Anders Persson, Tomas Puusepp, Fredrik Robertsson, and Ulrika Unell were re-elected as Board members. Joel Kronander and Michael Brüer, who were previously deputies, were newly elected to the Board. Jan-Olof Brüer was re-elected as Chairman of the Board.

Ernst & Young AB was re-elected as the company's auditor with Andreas Troberg as Auditor in Charge.

Director fees shall amount to SEK 370,000 for each external member of the Board and to SEK 740,000 for the Chairman of the Board. For Audit Committee work, fees shall amount to SEK 80,000 for each external member and to SEK 160,000 for the Chairman of the Audit Committee. For the Remuneration Committee, fees shall amount to SEK 35,000 for each external member and to SEK 70,000 for the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. Audit fees are to be paid pursuant to approved accounts.

Introduction of a new long-term incentive program

The AGM resolved to introduce a long-term performance-based incentive program for 2026 (LTIP 2026), including its terms and instructions. LTIP 2026 may comprise a maximum of 1,500 employees in the Group. In the event of full allotment to the participants in the program, a maximum of 1,000,000 shares of series B in the company will be required.

It was also resolved that, to the extent that own shares acquired under previous programs (LTIP 2021, LTIP 2022 and LTIP 2024) are not required for the programs for which they have been acquired, it shall be possible to transfer such shares to participants in other programs (including LTIP 2026) and to finance social security contributions and payroll overhead as a result of other programs (including LTIP 2026). Correspondingly, it shall be possible to transfer shares acquired under LTIP 2026 to participants in other programs and to finance social security contributions and payroll overhead as a result of such other programs.

To acquire the shares required for LTIP 2026, the Board – following its election – was authorized to, on one or more occasions, either (i) decide on the repurchase of the company's own shares in accordance with the authorization to acquire and transfer the company's own shares below, or (ii) increase the company's share capital by a maximum of SEK 200,000 through the issue of a maximum of 1,000,000 Class C shares. The new shares shall be subscribed for by a bank engaged by the company to facilitate the delivery of performance shares and the financing of social security contributions and payroll overhead as a result of LTIP 2026. Class C shares shall be repurchased at a price corresponding to the share's quotient value and converted into Class B shares.

A maximum of 780,000 of the company's Class B treasury shares shall thereafter be transferred free of charge to participants in LTIP 2026 and other incentive programs, while a maximum of 220,000 of the company's Class B treasury shares shall be transferred on Nasdaq Stockholm to finance social security contributions and payroll overhead under LTIP 2026 and other incentive programs.

Other AGM resolutions and authorizations

The AGM also adopted the following resolutions:

- The income statement and balance sheet were adopted. The members of the Board of Directors and the President & CEO were discharged from liability for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

- The Board's Remuneration Report for the 2025/2026 fiscal year was approved.

- New guidelines for salary and other remuneration to senior executives were adopted.

- The Board was authorized to, on one or more occasions before the next AGM, decide on the acquisition and divestment of all of the company's treasury shares. A condition for the authorization is that the company's holding of treasury shares at no time exceeds 10% of all shares in the company, including shares held for fulfillment of incentive programs. The intention is to enable own shares to be used in conjunction with the acquisition of companies or operations, in full or in part, or in conjunction with market investments, to adapt the company's capital structure from time to time, according to its capital needs, in order to finance the acquisition of companies or operations and to ensure the acquisition and delivery of Class B shares to participants in the company's incentive programs and to cover the costs associated with such programs.

- The Board was authorized to, on one or more occasions during the period until the next AGM, decide on the issue of a maximum of 18,500,000 Class B shares for payment in cash, payment by set-off of claims or payment in kind, and for issues where payment is made by set-off of claims that the Board shall be able to disregard the shareholders' preferential rights. The intention is to facilitate the use of newly issued shares in conjunction with the implementation or financing of acquisitions of companies or operations, in full or in part, and in conjunction with market investments.

- To not approve a shareholder proposal to establish a 50-year jubilee fund.

The resolutions were passed in accordance with the proposals to the AGM from the Board and the Nomination Committee, which are available at https://investor.sectra.com/agm2026.

The information in this press release is such that Sectra AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to Nasdaq Stockholm's Rule Book for Issuers. The information was submitted to the media for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out below, at 6:20 p.m. CEST on September 8, 2026.

CONTACT:

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Torbjörn Kronander, President and CEO, Sectra AB, +46 (0) 705 23 52 27

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American News Group News Commentary - The global data center market was valued at approximately $187.35 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach roughly $517.17 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of about 10.5%, according to a market study published by Allied Market Research. That forecast, however, understates what has happened to the physical inputs behind it. Capital is not the scarce ingredient in the artificial intelligence buildout. Electricity that is already flowing, at a site a data center can actually occupy, has become the constraint that determines which projects get built and when.

Active Companies from around the markets with current developments this week include: Healthy Choice Wellness Corp. (NYSE American: HCWC), Applied Digital Corporation (Nasdaq: APLD), Cipher Digital Inc. (Nasdaq: CIFR), Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: DLR), and Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE).

Other forecasters sizing the same buildout arrive at steeper numbers for the segments most exposed to artificial intelligence. MarketsandMarkets projects the hyperscale data center market alone will expand from approximately $162.79 billion in 2024 to roughly $608.54 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of about 24.6%, per an August 2026 report summary. The same firm projects the services layer supporting those facilities will grow from about $115.94 billion in 2025 to roughly $320.89 billion by 2030.

Those are dollars. The more revealing unit is megawatts. JLL research on the global data center sector describes an infrastructure investment supercycle that could require as much as $3 trillion by 2030, with roughly 100 gigawatts of new capacity anticipated to come online between 2026 and 2030. Converting that pipeline into operating capacity is not primarily a financing problem. It is a queue problem.

Grid interconnection queues in the largest United States markets now stretch for years. Substations take years to build. Transmission upgrades run on utility timelines rather than technology timelines. A model can be retrained in weeks and shipped overnight. Fifty megawatts of utility capacity cannot be added on the same schedule, at any price. That mismatch between the speed of software and the speed of the physical world has become the defining feature of the current cycle, and it has repriced a specific and unglamorous asset: the industrial site that is already energized.

It has also opened a gap in the middle of the market. Most of the headline announcements of the past eighteen months describe gigawatt-scale campuses aimed at the largest hyperscale tenants. Those projects absorb enormous capital and multi-year construction schedules. Beneath them sits a tier of demand measured in tens of megawatts rather than hundreds, from tenants who need capacity delivered on a timeline the gigawatt campuses cannot meet. Sites in the twenty to one hundred megawatt range are too small to interest the largest developers and too large for most regional operators to power. That is the gap, and a small number of companies have begun building specifically into it.

Contracted Before Listed: A 43 MW Take-or-Pay Lease Worth Approximately $1.25 Billion Over Its Base Term

Healthy Choice Wellness Corp. (NYSE American: HCWC) is completing a reverse merger with Host Digital Infrastructure LLC, a vertically integrated digital infrastructure platform focused on artificial intelligence and high-performance computing data centers. The transaction inverts the usual small-cap sequence. Rather than presenting a market, a strategy and a hoped-for revenue line, the business arrives with a signed long-term contract already in place.

A 15-year lease signed August 7, 2026 covering approximately 43 MW of critical IT load at an existing northeast Oklahoma facility.

Approximately $1.25 billion of contracted revenue across the 15-year base term, structured take-or-pay with annual rent escalators.

Approximately $3.2 billion in contracted revenue if all renewal options are exercised across a possible 30-year total term.

The lease is expected to be supported by a backstop from a United States based, investment grade global technology company.

Delivery to the tenant is expected in the first half of 2027. No revenue has been recognised under the lease to date.

The counterparty is described by the Company as one of the world's largest privately held cloud infrastructure companies and has not been publicly named. The lease includes customary rent abatement terms for outages, in line with other data center leases. Full details were disclosed in the Company's August 31, 2026 announcement.

What distinguishes the underlying model is its deliberate refusal to chase scale. Host Digital has described a development approach centred on three disciplines: securing near-term, energized power; targeting right-sized sites with approximately 20 MW to 100 MW of grid power available today or in the near term, supplemented by behind-the-meter generation where appropriate; and developing against long-term contracted demand supported by strong or credit-enhanced counterparties. The company aims to own and control each facility's core infrastructure, from land, buildings and interconnection rights through to utility agreements, electrical systems and cooling, while tenants control the compute and model layers.

The northeast Oklahoma facility fits that template. It is an existing industrial building of nearly 80,000 square feet with existing load above 45 megawatts, rather than open ground awaiting an interconnection queue. Host Digital holds its rights to the site pursuant to a property lease entered into on November 25, 2025 rather than outright fee ownership.

"Host Digital is approaching its public market debut with 43 MW of critical IT load committed under a 15-year take-or-pay lease, representing approximately $1.25 billion in base-term contracted revenue," said Shawn Matthews, who is expected to serve as Chairman of the combined company following closing. "This is the model we intend to scale: secure near-term, energized power; focus on right-sized sites; and contract with strong or credit-enhanced counterparties before deploying significant capital."

"Power-ready sites capable of meeting AI deployment timelines are increasingly scarce," said Harmol Samra, Chief Executive Officer of Host Digital and expected Chief Executive Officer of the combined company. "Our team is focused on converting that advantage into execution by delivering this capacity in the first half of 2027 and scaling a repeatable model for leading AI and HPC customers."

The leadership brought to the vehicle has operated at the intersection of real estate, power and capital markets before. Samra previously held roles at Starwood Capital and ICONIQ Capital, and helped build and oversee IPI Partners, which at the time of its sale to Blue Owl in 2024 held a portfolio of 82 data centers comprising more than 2.2 gigawatts of leased capacity globally. Matthews served as Chief Executive Officer of Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. from 2009 to 2018 and has more than three decades across financial markets, energy and infrastructure. John Ollet continues as Chief Financial Officer. Board and executive positions are expected to become effective pursuant to closing.

The board's own proxy materials frame the valuation directly. They disclose an analysis indicating annual base rent of approximately $60 million to $76 million in the first year on 40 to 47 megawatts of critical IT load, increasing 3% annually, a total 15-year contract value of approximately $1.1 billion to $1.4 billion, and an indicative valuation range of approximately $676 million to $954 million applying discount rates of approximately 5% to 6.5%. Host Digital was valued in the transaction at $425 million. The definitive proxy statement sets this out in full.

There are several risks associated with the Company's plans

Stockholders approved all proposals at a special meeting held August 27, 2026, including the stock issuance, an increase in authorised shares to two billion and a name change. That vote satisfied a condition to completion; it was not completion itself. The merger remains expected to close in September 2026, subject to the satisfaction of remaining conditions, and there is no assurance it will be completed or completed on the expected timeline. A 1-for-35 reverse stock split took effect August 28, 2026, with split-adjusted trading from August 31, 2026 under a new CUSIP. NYSE American treats a reverse merger as equivalent to a new listing, which means the combined entity must satisfy initial listing standards including a minimum share price of US$4.00. That is a live condition rather than a formality. Following closing the combined company is expected to trade under the symbol HOST, subject to exchange approval, so readers should confirm the current trading symbol before acting.

The dilution is substantial. Host Digital holders are expected to hold approximately 96% of the combined company following an issuance of roughly 1.57 billion shares, a figure struck before the reverse split, leaving legacy holders with a small minority of the resulting entity. As of June 30, 2026, prior to the combination, Healthy Choice Wellness Corp. reported cash and cash equivalents of approximately $0.9 million, negative working capital of approximately $6.6 million and net losses of approximately $6.7 million for the prior six-month period, and disclosed substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Developing data center infrastructure is capital intensive and the capital required has not yet been raised. Renewal options are options rather than commitments, no revenue has been recognised under the lease, and the delivery date remains subject to construction, commissioning, financing and the performance of both parties.

The article outlines durability, hurricane protection, energy efficiency, and long-term value considerations for homeowners in Central Florida.

LAKELAND, Fla., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Is metal roofing a good option for Florida homes? HelloNation has published an article that provides the answer and details key considerations for homeowners in Central Florida.

The HelloNation article explains that metal roofing has become increasingly popular across Florida homes due to its durability and long-term performance. In regions like Central Florida, where storms and intense heat are common, homeowners are seeking roofing materials that can withstand challenging weather conditions while offering energy efficiency.

According to the article, one of the primary reasons metal roofing stands out is its strong resistance to wind and hail. Unlike traditional asphalt shingles, metal panels are designed to resist high winds and shed heavy rain more effectively. This makes them especially appealing in areas that frequently experience tropical storms and hurricanes. The article notes that hurricane protection is a major factor influencing roofing decisions throughout Central Florida.

The article also discusses roof lifespan as a critical consideration. While asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 25 years, metal roofing systems can last between 40 and 70 years when properly installed. This extended roof lifespan can help offset higher upfront costs. For many Florida homes, the longer service life means fewer replacements and less disruption over time.

In addition to durability, the HelloNation article highlights energy efficiency as another important benefit. Metal roofing often includes reflective coatings or lighter color options that reduce heat absorption. In Central Florida's hot climate, improved energy efficiency can lower cooling costs during long summer months. Over time, these savings can contribute to the overall value of choosing metal roofing for Florida homes.

Hurricane protection is addressed in greater detail as well. The article explains that interlocking metal panels and secure fastening systems can provide superior storm resistance compared to many shingle systems. This added storm resistance may reduce the likelihood of water intrusion during heavy rain, a common concern in Florida homes. However, the article emphasizes that homeowners should confirm that any metal roofing system meets local building codes and wind-resistance standards.

Maintenance requirements are another factor covered in the piece. The article notes that metal roofing typically requires less frequent repairs than traditional materials. Routine inspections, along with checking fasteners and sealants, are usually sufficient to maintain performance. This contributes to the overall lifespan of the roof and reinforces the material's appeal to homeowners seeking low-maintenance solutions in Central Florida.

The article also advises readers to consider architectural style and neighborhood aesthetics. While metal roofing complements many home designs, some properties may require customized finishes to maintain visual harmony. Careful planning helps ensure that metal roofing enhances both function and appearance in Florida homes.

Finally, the HelloNation article underscores the importance of working with experienced roofing professionals. Proper installation directly affects storm resistance, energy efficiency, and the overall lifespan of the roof. Attention to local code requirements is particularly important in Central Florida, where hurricane protection standards are strict.

In conclusion, the article presents metal roofing as a durable, energy-efficient option for Florida homes, particularly in storm-prone regions such as Central Florida. By evaluating factors such as roof lifespan, hurricane protection, storm resistance, and overall energy efficiency, homeowners can make informed decisions about whether metal roofing aligns with their long-term goals.

Is Metal Roofing a Good Option for Florida Homes? features insights from Robbie Sanger, a roofing expert in Lakeland, Florida, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation

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F-Secure and AMD Silo AI Demonstrate Unique Approach to Helping Secure Digital Journeys in Agentic AI Era

F-Secure TrustPath and device-to-cloud compute platforms from AMD are intended to protect every step of the consumer digital journey

HELSINKI, September 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consumer cyber security leader F-Secure and leading AI lab AMD Silo AI have demonstrated how F-Secure Trust technology and model routing solutions by AMD Silo AI can work together to help keep digital journeys safe, practical, private, and efficient in the agentic AI era.

The uniquely developed routing approach decides, per piece of data, where it should be processed — on the device or in the cloud, and with what AI model — based on sensitivity, cost, model capability, and performance. Using this routing approach, upcoming solution F-Secure TrustPath helps keep the consumer's digital journey protected end-to-end.

Trust is the deciding factor for today's consumers

For consumers, AI has moved from answering questions to making decisions. Agents now compare products, manage subscriptions, and complete purchases on people's behalf, reading third-party content and preparing actions as they go.

This shift widens the trust gap, leaving consumers vulnerable and brand reputation at risk. F-Secure's own research shows that 84% of consumers worry AI makes it impossible to tell what is real online, and 44% are worried about using AI itself. Currently only 17% of consumers are ready to let AI take actions on their behalf.

This development also changes the need for protection. It's no longer about only safeguarding the human. Now, the agents acting for them are easily misled by manipulated reviews, hidden instructions, or unsafe decision paths on otherwise legitimate sites.

"We stated back in May that this moment would divide the companies that saw the Trust Inflection Point coming from those that didn't," said Timo Laaksonen, President and CEO, F-Secure. "Consumers will not hand their money, their identity, or their decisions to an agent operating under a brand they don't trust. Working with AMD Silo AI lets us take F-Secure TrustPath from principle to practice, protecting the whole journey in a practical and comprehensive way."

A unique approach for safer digital journeys

The two companies have developed an approach built on a single principle: trust is granted per moment, not per domain. A trusted site can still carry untrusted elements, and a routine browsing step becomes sensitive the moment an AI agent starts to act on behalf of the user with the page content such as login or payment. Rather than granting blanket trust to an entire website, each step of a journey is judged on its own context. This requires multiple AI models to safeguard the agentic AI operating on the websites. F-Secure brings this trust model across the consumer journey; AMD Silo AI brings the compute that can dynamically span from on-device to cloud-deployed AI models based on the routing policy.

"When AI agents start acting on our behalf, they bring a new class of challenges and threats to digital journeys and user trust. This trust is built by AI models that preserve the user's privacy while protecting both the user and their agent. To run these models effectively requires dynamic routing decisions. What we are building is a significant step forward in protecting consumers' digital journeys and their privacy," said Santeri Kangas, Chief Technology Officer, F-Secure.

"The goal is not to send more events to the largest models," said Jaakko Vainio, Senior Director, AMD Silo AI. "The goal is to handle each event as close to the user as possible, to help keep it safe, private, and efficient."

Paving the way as pioneers of trust as a service

This collaboration signals the latest in a series of AI-led announcements, showcasing F-Secure's AI-powered technology and reinforcing its position as consumer cyber security leader and pioneer of trust as a service in the agentic era. F-Secure TrustPath helps secure entire digital lifestyle journeys end-to-end, from start to completion. F-Secure TrustPath capabilities are expected to enter beta in Q4/2026 and production in 2027.

Read the AMD blog article: From Device to Cloud

About F-Secure

F-Secure is a human-first, AI-powered consumer cyber security experience company with 38 years of expertise in tackling digital threats. We help digital service providers turn trust into a high-value growth engine — protecting their customers while enabling them to live their best digital lives in a world of relentless, AI-driven scams. With billions of digital interactions secured each year, tens of millions of consumers protected globally, and over $10 billion in partner value created, we deliver proven impact at scale.

About AMD Silo AI

AMD Silo AI is a leading AI lab that helps customers develop and deploy advanced AI models and solutions optimized for leadership compute platforms. As a global AI center of excellence with over 300 AI scientists and 125+ PhDs, they combine deep scientific knowledge with practical technology understanding to help organizations integrate, deploy and scale AI effectively. Our work spans from groundbreaking research to enterprise-ready AI solutions.

Press contacts

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Head of Content & Communications

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Meghan Sawyer

Senior PR Manager, US

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Joel Latto

PR Manager, EMEA

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SOURCE F-Secure

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Company highlights production growth, technology advancements, national recognition and investments positioning the business for 2027

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kind Lending is building on a year of significant growth and progress as the company looks ahead to continued expansion and innovation in 2027.

As Kind continues that trajectory, the company is also closing a chapter with Success Lending, with the two organizations making the mutual, strategic decision to wind down their joint venture.

"We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Success Lending and proud of what our teams accomplished together," said Glenn Stearns, Founder and CEO. "We wish the Success team all the best in their next chapter. At Kind, we're equally excited about what's ahead. We've built tremendous momentum across our business this year, and the investments we're making in our people, technology and processes are positioning us for an even stronger 2027."

That progress is taking shape across both sides of the business. Kind's TPO business recorded a 44% year-over-year increase in funded volume through August 2026, while Retail is expanding under the leadership of newly appointed SVP of Retail Jonathan Engler.

"Strong performance in Wholesale and the expansion underway in Retail give us two distinct opportunities to build on Kind's growth," said Delfino Aguilar, Chief Production Officer. "Jonathan brings the leadership and experience to help us attract top talent, increase production and strengthen our presence nationwide, while our Wholesale team continues to build on a strong year."

Technology and automation are another key part of Kind's growth strategy. Among the advancements already underway is a program that automatically verifies income and employment for eligible borrowers while eliminating associated verification fees - reducing the need for brokers to chase documentation and creating a faster, lower-friction experience for borrowers. Kind is also advancing technology capable of evaluating loan documentation against detailed underwriting criteria and automatically clearing certain conditions, giving underwriters more time to focus on complex decisions and additional files.

Through collaborations with major government-sponsored enterprises, Kind is rethinking how loans move from submission through underwriting. These initiatives are already simplifying processes in 2026 while creating a foundation for greater efficiency, capacity and growth in 2027.

Kind's progress has also been recognized nationally. In 2026, Kind Lending was named a USA TODAY Top Workplace for the third consecutive year and earned a Top Workplaces Culture Excellence award for the third consecutive year. Founder and CEO Glenn Stearns was also named an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Pacific Southwest Award winner.

Together, Kind's investments in technology and talent, coupled with continued growth across its Wholesale and Retail channels, are helping remove unnecessary complexity from mortgage lending and create a faster, easier and more human experience for everyone involved.

About Kind Lending

Kind Lending is the fastest-growing wholesale lender in the country, revolutionizing the mortgage banking landscape and forging a new identity in the industry. Founded in 2020 by visionary Glenn Stearns and based in Irvine, California, Kind is on a mission to deliver seamless, swift loan approval processes through passionate and friendly professionals. At Kind Lending, kindness is not merely a sentiment but a proactive force for change, driving meaningful interactions with every client. This culture of innovation and excellence elevates Kind beyond just a business; it is a movement fueled by a passion to create a better experience for all.

SOURCE Kind Lending, LLC

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FORT MYERS, Fla., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization, is pleased to announce that its Fort Myers Metro office has transitioned to company ownership, reinforcing the organization's long-term commitment to employers, job seekers, and the broader Southwest Florida business community.

The transition reinforces PrideStaff's investment in the Fort Myers market, combining the knowledge, relationships, and personalized service of the experienced local team with PrideStaff's national resources, technology, and operational support. Clients and job seekers will continue working with local staffing professionals who understand the region's workforce needs and provide the responsive, relationship-driven service they have come to expect.

The transition comes as the Fort Myers Metro office has also been named a Best of Florida winner in the Employment Agencies category. Presented by Guide to Florida, the recognition celebrates businesses and organizations across the state and reflects the office's commitment to serving employers and job seekers throughout the region.

Under company ownership, the Fort Myers Metro office will continue serving the Southwest Florida market with the same focus on understanding local workforce needs and delivering exceptional experiences for clients and job seekers. The transition also positions the office for continued growth and expanded opportunities to support businesses and talent throughout the region.

"Fort Myers is an important market for PrideStaff, and bringing this office under company ownership reflects our confidence in the local team and the opportunities we see throughout the region," said Tammi Heaton, PrideStaff Co-CEO. "Their Best of Florida recognition is especially timely because it speaks to what we want to build upon: strong local relationships and an exceptional service experience. By pairing those strengths with the resources and support of our national organization, we are reinforcing our commitment to the Fort Myers community and positioning the office for continued growth."

About PrideStaff

PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 45-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated's prestigious Best of Staffing® 15-Year Diamond Awards three years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services, or for staffing franchise information, visit our website.

SOURCE PrideStaff

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Amicable Settlement Underscores Strength of Bonguard's Intellectual Property Portfolio and Commitment to Protecting Innovation

PHOENIX, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bonguard Naturals today announced the successful and amicable resolution of a patent matter protecting the intellectual property behind Nixodine®, a 6-methyl technology platform the company believes has the potential to fundamentally reshape its industry.

The resolution represents an important validation of Bonguard Naturals' strategy to build, protect, and commercialize a robust intellectual property portfolio around a new generation of 6-methyl products. It also affirms the company's commitment to defending those rights while fostering constructive relationships within the industry.

Ready Mix Naturals, LLC, owner of the patent portfolio covering innovative 6-methyl products sold under the Nixodine® brand, previously filed a federal patent action concerning certain products. The matter has now been resolved through a cooperative settlement that leaves the Nixodine® patent portfolio fully intact.

From the outset, LBC Products demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and compliance with Ready Mix's requests. The parties worked constructively to reach an agreement that respects the underlying intellectual property while providing a clear, authorized path forward. Bonguard Naturals appreciates LBC's cooperative approach throughout the process.

THE MESSAGE TO THE MARKETPLACE IS CLEAR:

THESE PATENTS MATTER. THEY ARE BEING PROTECTED. AND BONGUARD NATURALS REMAINS COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING THE INNOVATION BEHIND NIXODINE®.

Protecting Technology With the Potential to Define an Industry

The patents at the center of the matter form part of the intellectual property foundation supporting Nixodine®, an emerging 6-methyl product platform that Bonguard Naturals believes is poised to become an important force in the evolution of the industry.

As companies race to develop the next generation of products in this rapidly changing marketplace, proprietary technology — and the patents protecting it — can determine who ultimately leads a new category. Bonguard Naturals intends to be one of those leaders.

"We believe Nixodine® represents an extraordinary technological and commercial opportunity, and protecting the intellectual property behind it is one of our highest priorities," said Rick Avila, co-founder of Bonguard Naturals. "These patents protect innovation that we believe has the potential to transform this industry. We invested in developing it, we invested in protecting it, and when necessary, we will invest in enforcing it."

"This resolution should remove any doubt about how seriously we take our intellectual property," Avila continued. "At the same time, we value constructive dialogue and are pleased that this matter was resolved in a spirit of cooperation."

Building an Authorized Ecosystem

The agreement also highlights the commercial strength of the Nixodine® intellectual property strategy. It establishes a clear framework under which future participation in the 6-methyl space can occur through authorized channels that respect the underlying patents and brand standards.

Bonguard Naturals is not merely building a brand. It is building an intellectual-property-protected commercial ecosystem around technology it believes could help define the next era of the industry.

Four U.S. Patents — And A Broader Intellectual Property Portfolio

The matter involved U.S. Patent Nos. 11,964,958; 12,358,888; 12,358,889; and 12,497,381.

The broader portfolio also encompasses certain related divisional, continuations, continuations-in-part, reissues and reexaminations. Together, these intellectual property rights form an increasingly important protective framework around Nixodine® technology.

A Clear Signal to the Marketplace

Bonguard Naturals intends to continue monitoring the marketplace for potential infringement and taking appropriate action to protect its intellectual property when necessary.

For manufacturers, distributors and brands operating in the 6-methyl space, this resolution establishes an important precedent: the company is attentive to the market, understands the value of its patents, and is prepared to protect them — preferably through constructive engagement whenever possible.

"In emerging industries, there is often a period where companies assume new technology is simply available for anyone to copy," Avila said. "That is not the case here. We have built meaningful intellectual property around Nixodine®, and we intend to defend it. We also welcome those who wish to participate through authorized channels."

As Nixodine® moves toward broader commercialization, Bonguard Naturals intends to continue investing in innovation, expanding its intellectual property position, and protecting the technology it believes can help transform the industry.

About Bonguard Naturals

Bonguard Naturals is the company behind Nixodine®, an innovative 6-methyl product platform supported by a growing intellectual property portfolio. The company is focused on developing, protecting and commercializing proprietary technology while building an authorized commercial ecosystem designed to safeguard innovation, product integrity and the Nixodine® brand.

SOURCE Bonguard Naturals

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DOLLY PARTON'S SONGTELLER HOTEL & DOLLY'S LIFE OF MANY COLORS MUSEUM ANNOUNCE JOINT OPENING SEPTEMBER 29

Sneak peek at the museum floorplan & special hotel live entertainment

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel – created in partnership with Dolly Parton and Herschend – and Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum, created by Dolly Parton Productions, will officially debut together on September 29 in Nashville, marking the highly anticipated opening of two new destinations celebrating Dolly's extraordinary life and legacy.

Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel is Dolly's love letter to Nashville, featuring 245 unique guest rooms and suites, two live entertainment venues, café and vibrant spaces designed to celebrate Dolly's career and the spirit of Music City. Rooted in Dolly's lifelong connection to music and artistry, entertainment takes center stage at SongTeller Hotel, anchoring the guest experience with two distinctive live entertainment venues, Jolene's and Parton's Live. Jolene's, situated on the top floor of the hotel, comes alive nightly with performances from Music City's rising singers and songwriters, complemented by expertly crafted cocktails, elevated small plates and decadent desserts. On the hotel's second floor, Parton's Live offers an intimate introduction to Nashville's songwriting culture through writers' rounds, songwriter sessions and rising-star showcases, immersing guests in the art of storytelling and the craft of songwriting, paired with shareable plates, indulgent desserts and seasonal cocktails.

Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum, spanning the entirety of the hotel's third floor, offers an immersive journey through Dolly's life, music and legacy, bringing personal stories and rarely seen pieces of her collection together through interactive exhibits and thoughtfully curated experiences. Utilizing the latest technology, and filmed earlier this year, Dolly herself will guide guests through her life story. A newly released museum floor plan teases what guests can expect as the experience takes them through Dolly's life and career, beginning with a recreation of the small cabin where she grew up in the Great Smoky Mountains and continuing through the people, places and moments that shaped her journey.

Beginning September 14, when guest reservations open for SongTeller Hotel, the venues will come alive with a dynamic lineup of live performances and entertainment programming, including Dolly Parton's family members and emerging artists. Parton's cousin Richie Owens will perform September 16 at Parton's Live, with Parton's niece Jada Star launching her twice-weekly artist-in-residence September 17 and September 19. Additionally, SongTeller Hotel is partnering with FEMcountry - the platform founded by veteran music industry executive Leslie Fram to champion women in music - to spotlight established female artists and songwriters through monthly performances in Parton's Live.

Tickets for events in Parton's Live can be booked HERE. Tickets for events in Jolene's can be booked HERE. Dedicated Instagram pages found HERE and HERE for the latest announcements. Group bookings and information on special events can be found HERE.

Beginning Tuesday, September 29, tickets for Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum are available for purchase HERE. The Museum is available for private events, including weddings, receptions, and business gatherings. For more information click HERE.

ABOUT DOLLY PARTON'S SONGTELLER HOTEL:

The SongTeller Hotel is a partnership between Dolly Parton and Herschend, the world's largest family-held themed attractions company. Their 40-year relationship has created beloved resort destinations like Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa and Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort, each rooted in warmth, storytelling, and Southern hospitality. That same spirit now extends to Nashville through the SongTeller Hotel, where Herschend brings its signature Heartspitality™ promise, Love in All We Do Every Day, to this new experience in the heart of Music City.

Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel is Dolly's love letter to the city of Nashville. Her iconic charm and songwriting spirit is woven into every room, suite and detail, creating a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. Guests can expect a lively and welcoming atmosphere with first-class amenities and 245 uniquely original and refined accommodations. Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel is also home to Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum and two on-site entertainment venues, Parton's Live and Jolene's, featuring live music performances, culinary creations, craft cocktails, and more.

ABOUT DOLLY'S LIFE OF MANY COLORS MUSEUM: 

Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum is the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the life and career of Dolly Parton, one of the world's most beloved and influential entertainers. Spanning more than 20,000 square feet, the museum invites visitors to experience Parton's journey "from the top of the mountains to the top of the world" through immersive exhibits, behind-the-scenes artifacts, multimedia installations, and personal stories told through Dolly's own perspective. The museum's design and curation are led by Dolly's sister, Rachel Parton George, and niece, Rebecca Seaver. Located at 126 3rd Avenue North in downtown Nashville, the museum offers its own dedicated entrance while occupying the third floor of Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum experience offers two distinctive and expansive retail stores offering official Dolly Parton merchandise and exclusive collections. Opening soon, Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum will serve as the largest single showcase of Dolly Parton's extraordinary life and legacy.

Media Contacts & Assets:

For Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel:

The Zimmerman Agency | [email protected]

Hotel Renderings + Logo | HERE

For Dolly's Life of Many Colors Museum:

Abbey Kovacevich | [email protected]

Results Global | [email protected]

Museum Renderings + Logo | HERE

For The Dolly Parton Estate:

Marcel Pariseau | True Public Relations [email protected]

SOURCE Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel

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