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SoftPro Water Softener Targets America's Hard Water Problem With NSF-Certified Elite Smart HE System

Box Elder, South Dakota - September 16, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
An estimated 85% of U.S. households receive water classified as hard or harder, based on U.S. Geological Survey hardness thresholds water carrying dissolved calcium and magnesium that can damage plumbing, reduce water heater performance, and shorten the life of household appliances over time. SoftPro Water Systems has built the SoftPro Elite Smart HE Water Softener to remove those hardness minerals at the source through ion exchange, rather than through methods that only alter mineral structure.
Left untreated, calcium and magnesium buildup coats pipes, faucets, and showerheads with scale, restricting flow and shortening fixture life. A 2009 study conducted by the Battelle Memorial Institute for the Water Quality Research Foundation found that even a thin layer of mineral scale measurably reduces water heater efficiency, with losses that increase as buildup thickens.

Hard water also causes soap and detergent to perform poorly, often leaving dishes spotted and laundry dull, and is commonly associated with dry skin and hair. SoftPro's own marketing materials cite broader water-treatment industry estimates that hard water can add several hundred dollars a year in extra soap, energy, and appliance-related costs, and increase the time households spend on routine cleaning - figures the company attributes to industry research rather than an independent audit conducted for this release.
"Homeowners tend to treat hard water like a fact of life instead of a fixable problem," said Craig Phillips, a spokesperson for SoftPro Water Systems known to customers as "The Water Guy." "By the time people notice the scale on their fixtures, that same mineral buildup has usually already been working against their water heater and appliances for months."
The SoftPro Elite uses ion-exchange technology to remove calcium and magnesium from water, in contrast to salt-free conditioners, which alter mineral structure but do not remove hardness minerals from the water.
The system runs on 10% high-capacity crosslinked resin, which the company states is more resistant to chlorine degradation than the 8% crosslink resin used in many standard softeners, a relevant distinction for households on chlorinated city water.
Rather than regenerating on a fixed timer, the control valve uses demand-initiated regeneration, triggering a recharge based on measured household water use; the company reports that this is why a typical household uses roughly one 40-pound bag of salt every two to four months.
A precision brining system adds further savings by pre-building part of the brine charge and calculating the remaining amount needed based on resin depletion, which SoftPro states reduces salt use by up to an additional 30% beyond demand-based regeneration alone. Upflow regeneration and an automatic backwash override are designed to reduce water waste during regeneration on clean municipal supplies, and the system's 1-inch-plus internal plumbing is sized to limit the pressure drop that can occur with undersized softeners when multiple fixtures run at once.
Some customers and independent reviewers have described the Elite Smart HE as the best water softener for city water homes seeking measurable hardness removal without excessive salt or water use. The system is available in four grain-capacity configurations - 32,000, 40,000, 48,000, and 64,000 grains — sized to household size and local water hardness, with optional Gold and Gold+ whole-house filtration bundles that add chlorine, chloramine, and fluoride reduction for households on municipal water.
SoftPro states that the Elite Smart HE is tested to NSF/ANSI 44, the industry standard covering material safety, structural integrity, and rated softening capacity for cation-exchange water softeners. Company materials list testing and certification marks from NSF International, the Water Quality Association (WQA Gold Seal), and IAPMO R&T. The manufacturer also holds ISO 9001 certification, which addresses the company's quality management processes rather than the performance of the product itself. Every system ships with a limited lifetime warranty on the control valve and core components, backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee. "Independent certification is what separates a tested performance claim from a marketing claim," Phillips said. "We built the Elite to hold up to that scrutiny."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIGOSltR7S8
SoftPro Water Systems, operated by Quality Water Treatment, Inc., is a direct-to-consumer manufacturer of residential water softeners and whole-house filtration systems headquartered in Box Elder, South Dakota. The company states it has served more than 100,000 households across the United States, with products shipped from nine warehouses nationwide and backed by U.S.-based customer support.
###
For more information about SoftPro Water Systems, contact the company here:
SoftPro Water Systems
SoftPro Water Systems
1-855-683-8488
help@softprowatersystems.com
514 Americas Way, Suite 9104
Box Elder, SD 57719
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PixVerse Is Building the Creator Economy for AI Video — and It Starts with Getting Paid

Singapore - September 16, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
PixVerse, the AI video platform with more than 150 million users across 177 countries, is making its clearest statement yet about what it wants to be for creators: not just where they make things, but where making things pays off.
On one track, the company has launched PixVerse Earn, a monetization platform that lets creators turn AI-generated video posts into real income through campaign-based rewards on Instagram, YouTube, and X. On another, it has kicked off PixLight, a global AI film competition open to filmmakers, screenwriters, and visual storytellers worldwide, with a total prize pool of $300,000 across 33 awards.

The two moves are distinct in structure and purpose. Earn is a product — a persistent infrastructure designed to reward creators for the content they're already making, day in and day out. PixLight is an event — a competitive stage for the work that's meant to last. What they share is an audience: creators who have mastered AI video tools and are ready for something more than the satisfaction of a good render.
PixVerse has launched a new monetization platform called PixVerse Earn, aimed at changing how AI video creators get paid. For most creators working with AI video, monetization has meant one of two things: waiting to hit the follower thresholds required for platform revenue sharing, or chasing one-off brand deals with no guarantee of the next one. PixVerse Earn is built around a different premise — that content quality, not audience size, should determine who gets paid.
The platform works through campaigns. Creators browse active campaigns in the Earn dashboard, post a PixVerse-generated video to Instagram, YouTube, or X according to each campaign's brief, submit the link for review, and track their earnings in real time. Every approved video becomes eligible for rewards — cash, PixVerse Credits, or both — drawn from campaign prize pools. Strong performance can unlock additional bonuses on top. Active prize pools now exceed $100,000, with new campaigns launching regularly.
The rules are visible before creators commit to anything: reward structure, content requirements, submission deadline, and prize pool are all displayed up front on each campaign card. Eligibility is determined by content quality and compliance with the campaign brief — not by how many followers a creator had when they signed up. A creator with a few thousand followers and a great video has a real shot at the same rewards as someone with ten times the audience.
Payouts are processed through Tremendous. PixVerse never stores banking details.
While Earn addresses the economics of everyday creation, PixLight is a different kind of invitation — one aimed at creators with a story they've been waiting for the right moment to tell.
Launched August 7, 2026, PixLight is a global AI film competition judged on story first: a beginning, middle, and end; characters an audience can care about; a distinct creative voice. The judging panel is international, drawn from directors, visual effects leaders, and industry veterans. Emotional resonance and a distinctly human perspective carry the same weight as visual craft in the evaluation criteria — a deliberate signal that the most valuable thing AI filmmaking can produce is not a demonstration of what the tools can do, but a story only a human could have wanted to tell.
The competition runs two entry tracks: The Pilot Track calls for a finished AI film or pilot episode, three to twenty minutes, built with PixVerse Canvas as the primary creative platform. Live-action footage, traditional VFX, and other production techniques are welcome alongside AI-generated content. The Script Track calls for a complete feature screenplay with a short video pitch. Designed for writers who have a story ready but not yet a finished film.
Both tracks are open across three creative directions: Under the Skin (drama, comedy, coming-of-age, and social realism), Worlds Beyond (science fiction, fantasy, supernatural, and mythology), and Edge of Seat (horror, thriller, mystery, crime, action, and adventure).
Shortlisted and winning creators gain visibility with the jury and the possibility of development conversations — around future production, adaptation, or IP. Creators retain full ownership of everything they submit: their stories, characters, worlds, and screenplays. PixVerse's role is to surface great work, not to acquire it.
The competition is free to enter and open worldwide to individuals and teams. Eligible registrants receive Starter Packs of PixVerse Credits. Submissions close October 9, 2026, with winners announced later that month.PixVerse has spent the past two years building the tools. V6, the company's flagship model, delivers precision camera control, expressive character performance, and cinematic-quality output. R1, launched in January 2026, became the world's first real-time world model — turning video from a rendered artifact into an infinite, interactive stream. In March 2026, PixVerse reached unicorn status.
The tools are no longer the question. What PixVerse is now working to answer is what comes after a creator makes something great with them. Earn and PixLight represent two different answers — one economic, one reputational — to a question that the broader AI video industry has barely started to ask.
About PixVerse：
PixVerse is a global AI video generation platform trusted by more than 150 million users and enterprises across 177+ countries. With a suite of proprietary models developed entirely in-house, PixVerse empowers anyone to create cinematic-quality video from a prompt, photo, or clip — from independent creators to professional film teams. Founded in 2023 and having achieved unicorn status in March 2026, PixVerse is committed to making video the universal language of human expression.
For more information, visit pixverse.ai.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nhc6wFWFzi8
Details on PixVerse Earn are available at pixverse.ai/en/earn, and the PixLight Competition can be found at app.pixverse.ai/challenge/pixlight.
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For more information about PixVerse, contact the company here:
PixVerse
Robyn Tan
media@pixverse.ai
67 Ayer Rajah Crescent, #04-09, Singapore 139950

DSCP Smart Fulfillment Reports Peak Fees Ignore 3PL Warehouse Zones

Blackrock Fence & Construction Expands Metal Fence Installation Services for League City Properties

LEAGUE CITY, TX - September 16, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Blackrock Fence & Construction has expanded its metal fence installation services to League City, Texas, offering local homeowners a range of durable fencing materials suited to the challenges of the Gulf Coast environment. The company aims to help property owners understand how different metal fencing options perform in a region defined by high humidity and salt air.
Metal fencing generally falls into three primary categories: wrought iron, aluminum, and chain link. Each material carries distinct considerations regarding cost, lifespan, and upkeep. Wrought iron typically represents the higher end of the price range and offers a lifespan that can exceed several decades when properly maintained. It requires periodic attention to prevent rust, particularly in coastal conditions. Aluminum sits in the mid-range for cost, resists corrosion naturally, and demands minimal maintenance over its long service life. Chain link remains the most economical option, providing functional security with a shorter lifespan and moderate upkeep needs.

The Gulf Coast climate presents specific challenges for metal fencing. Persistent humidity and airborne salt accelerate corrosion, especially on untreated iron and steel components. Aluminum performs strongly in these conditions because it does not rust, making it a practical choice for properties near the water. For wrought iron and steel, protective coatings play a central role in longevity. Powder-coated finishes and galvanized treatments provide a barrier against moisture and salt, extending the life of the material and reducing the frequency of repairs. Chain link fencing benefits from vinyl coating or hot-dipped galvanization for similar reasons.
Jace Niemeyer, a representative of Blackrock Fence & Construction, noted that material selection should reflect both the property owner's priorities and the local environment. "Homeowners in League City often weigh appearance against long-term maintenance, and the coastal climate makes that decision more important than it might be elsewhere," Niemeyer said. "Choosing the right coating or finish at the outset can make a significant difference in how a fence holds up over many years."
Niemeyer added that the expansion reflects growing regional interest in low-maintenance options. "Aluminum and properly coated iron continue to be strong performers along the Gulf Coast, and part of the process involves helping property owners understand the trade-offs between initial cost and long-term durability," Niemeyer said.
Metal Fencing by Blackrock Fence & Construction covers residential and commercial applications, with options in aluminum, steel, and wrought iron. The company works with each property owner to assess the specific conditions of the site and recommend materials and finishes designed to withstand the demands of the coastal climate.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7iK-EA894Jg
Blackrock Fence & Construction is a full-service fence installation company based in League City, Texas. The company specializes in fencing solutions for residential and commercial properties and offers services that include residential fencing, commercial fencing, wood fencing, metal fencing, farm and ranch fencing, and security gate installation. It serves communities throughout the region, including Alvin, Clear Lake, Deer Park, Dickinson, La Porte, League City, Friendswood, Manvel, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Pearland, Seabrook, Texas City, and Webster. The company is known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail across all of its fencing work.

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For more information about Blackrock Fence & Construction, contact the company here:
Blackrock Fence & Construction
Jace Niemeyer
(832) 632-3853
blackrockfence92@gmail.com
Blackrock Fence & Construction
905 Chetwood Cir
League City, TX 77573
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B.C. Wildfire Smoke Guidance Thrive Energy Advisors Draws Attention to Air Leakage in Okanagan Homes

WEST KELOWNA, BC - September 16, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
Updated provincial wildfire-smoke guidance is drawing attention to a less visible problem in Okanagan homes: outdoor smoke can enter through openings in the building envelope even when windows and doors remain closed and the air conditioning is operating.
In an Aug. 12 information bulletin, the B.C. Ministry of Health advised residents to reduce their exposure by creating a cleaner-air space at home. Recommended measures include closing windows and doors and using portable air cleaners or HVAC filtration, provided indoor temperatures remain safe. The ministry said wildfire smoke can cause coughing, wheezing, headaches and irritation and may worsen existing heart and lung conditions.

Health Canada’s July 17 guidance, “Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health: Preparing for wildfire smoke events,” recommends properly sized portable air cleaners and the highest-quality filter a household ventilation system can accommodate. These measures can reduce smoke particles indoors, but they do not identify how outside air is entering the building.
Thrive Energy Inc., an Okanagan building-performance and energy advisory company, reports receiving individual inquiries from homeowners in Kelowna, West Kelowna and Kamloops who noticed smoke odours indoors despite keeping their homes closed. These reports are anecdotal and are not based on a formal survey or compiled regional dataset.
“Closed windows address only the openings homeowners can see,” said Brett Tracy, founder and Registered Energy Advisor at Thrive Energy. “Air can still travel through concealed gaps and connections throughout the building envelope.”
Pressure differences caused by wind, indoor-to-outdoor temperature differences and household exhaust equipment can move air through those openings. Bathroom fans, clothes dryers and range hoods remove indoor air while operating. Replacement air must then enter the house from outdoors or connected spaces such as an attic, garage or crawl space.
A blower door test can help locate uncontrolled air pathways. The equipment uses a calibrated fan installed in an exterior doorway to create a controlled pressure difference. While the fan operates, a trained professional can use diagnostic tools such as a smoke pencil and, under suitable conditions, thermal imaging to identify where air is entering.
Common leakage points are not always visible during a routine inspection. In older Okanagan homes, air may move through unsealed attic hatches, recessed lighting, plumbing and wiring penetrations, wall-to-floor connections, exterior dampers and gaps between an attached garage and the living space. Testing under controlled pressure can help distinguish minor drafts from larger leakage pathways and provide a prioritized plan for further investigation or repair.
The test measures overall airtightness and helps identify leakage areas, but it does not measure indoor smoke particles or determine whether the air is medically safe. Residents should continue following public-health advice, monitor the Air Quality Health Index and seek medical assistance when concerning symptoms develop.
“Filtration and air sealing serve different purposes,” Tracy said. “Filtration helps remove particles from indoor air, while air sealing reduces uncontrolled entry routes. The long-term objective is to control where outdoor air enters, filter it appropriately and make sure ventilation and combustion safety are considered together.”
Homeowners should not block combustion-air openings or seal plumbing and mechanical vents without confirming their purpose with a qualified professional. Incorrectly closing required openings can create carbon-monoxide, moisture, ventilation or drainage hazards.
During severe smoke, immediate measures may include creating one cleaner-air room, using a suitable portable air cleaner, maintaining HVAC filters and limiting unnecessary use of powerful exhaust fans. Once conditions improve, a building-envelope assessment can help determine whether targeted air sealing should form part of a longer-term plan.
Additional information about Thrive Energy Inc. and its building-performance and airtightness-testing services is available at thriveenergyinc.com.


 

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For more information about Thrive Energy Inc, contact the company here:
Thrive Energy Advisors
Brett Tracy
+1 778-867-0242
office@thriveengyinc.com
1894 Rosealee Ln, West Kelowna, BC V1Z 4C7

RBI National Metals Explains the Role of an Aerospace Metal Supplier in California

ANAHEIM, CA - September 16, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
RBI National Metals discusses the role of an aerospace metal supplier in California and the factors manufacturers consider when sourcing metals for aviation and aerospace applications. Aerospace production depends on carefully selected materials that meet specific performance requirements, making the sourcing process an important part of developing aircraft components, structural parts, and other specialized products.
An aerospace metal supplier in California supports manufacturers by providing access to metals selected based on characteristics such as strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and application requirements. Aerospace applications often involve environments where material performance and consistency are important considerations, and the selection process typically involves evaluating the intended use, engineering requirements, and industry standards associated with each project.
Different aerospace applications require different types of metals based on performance expectations and manufacturing needs. Aluminum alloys are frequently used in aerospace projects because of their lightweight properties. Other metals, including stainless steel and titanium, may be considered for applications requiring increased strength, heat resistance, or additional durability. Understanding these differences allows manufacturers to select materials that align with the requirements of each component.
Material documentation and quality standards are also important parts of aerospace metal sourcing. Manufacturers often require certifications, testing records, and traceability information to verify that materials meet project specifications. These records help maintain consistency throughout the supply chain and allow businesses to track material details from initial sourcing through production.
RBI National Metals explains that selecting materials for aerospace manufacturing involves more than identifying a specific metal type. Factors such as availability, dimensions, processing requirements, and compliance documentation can influence sourcing decisions. A clear understanding of these considerations can help manufacturers plan projects more effectively and address potential challenges before production begins.
The role of an aerospace metal supplier in California can also include helping businesses understand material options and specifications. Aerospace projects often involve precise requirements, and suppliers may provide information that manufacturers can consider during the sourcing process. Communication between manufacturers and suppliers helps ensure that material needs are clearly understood and properly managed.
California’s aerospace sector includes companies involved in aircraft manufacturing, engineering, defense-related production, and advanced manufacturing. The demand for specialized materials often involves considerations related to quality, consistency, and supply chain coordination. RBI National Metals highlights that aerospace material sourcing requires an understanding of both the technical characteristics of metals and the operational requirements of the industries using them.
As aerospace manufacturing continues to evolve alongside new designs, production methods, and engineering requirements, material sourcing remains an important consideration for manufacturers. RBI National Metals notes that informed material decisions can help businesses navigate project requirements while maintaining attention to documentation, specifications, and application needs. The relationship between manufacturers and an aerospace metal supplier in California reflects the importance of careful material planning and sourcing practices within complex aerospace production processes.
About RBI National Metals:
RBI National Metals is a metal supplier and fabrication specialist based in Anaheim, California. The company provides a diverse range of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, alloy steel, and various red metals, to clients ranging from residential homeowners to Fortune 500 companies. Beyond material distribution, the organization offers extensive processing services such as precision cutting, shearing, bending, and powder-coating. With a focus on rapid turnaround times and technical precision, the entity serves as a logistical partner for projects in the commercial, industrial, and government sectors across the region.


 

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For more information about RBI National Metals, contact the company here:
RBI National Metals
Dina Coletti Metcalf
(714) 921-4048
info@starryshine.com
1273 N Blue Gum St
Anaheim, CA 92806

Investar Holding Corporation

Investar Holding Corporation Declares Quarterly Common and Preferred Stock Cash Dividends

Official Results Omit Names of Nine Write-In Candidates Who Advanced

Edison, Washington - September 16, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
According to Candidate Cody Hart, Write-in candidates in six counties qualified for the November ballot; a review of all 39 counties finds the state results website names none of them; complaint filed with the Secretary of State seeks statewide guidance before ballots are mailed
Nine declared write-in candidates in six Washington counties earned a place on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot in the August 4 primary, but the state's official election results website does not name any of them, according Skagit Residents and a review of public records released by Cody Hart and Derrill J. Fussell, two of the nine, who have filed a complaint with the Washington Secretary of State and delivered a written demand to the Skagit County Auditor seeking publication of the certified results.
The nine are Cody Hart for Sheriff, Amanda Toscano for Clerk, Derrill J. Fussell for Coroner, and Timothy Garrison for Treasurer in Skagit County; Katie Nagle for Treasurer in Garfield County; Anson Bartrand for Assessor in Grant County; Andrew F. Scott for Prosecutor in Island County; Rachelle Miller for County Commissioner, District 4, in Spokane County; and Kerry Hills for State Representative, Position 2, in the 28th Legislative District in Pierce County. All nine appear as active general election candidates on the Secretary of State's VoteWA candidate list for the November election.
On the statewide results website operated for Washington elections, every one of the nine races is displayed as a single printed candidate plus an unnamed "Write-In" line. The review covered the primary results pages for all 39 counties and found no named write-in candidate in any county. Write-in votes exceeded five percent of the total in eight of the nine races and reached 27.95 percent in the Garfield County Treasurer race.
State law addresses the point directly. RCW 29A.60.021(5) provides that the county canvassing board "must certify write-in votes including the vote total received by a candidate that has filed a timely declaration of write-in candidacy" once the one percent threshold is met, and that final results "must consolidate the vote total associated with each candidate." WAC 434-262-030 requires the auditor's abstract of votes to include a total for "each declared candidate qualifying for the general election" and excludes from online results only the tallies of candidates who did not meet the threshold.
County practice varies. Garfield County posts an official results report that names Nagle with her vote total and lists her in its general election voters' pamphlet. Pierce County's final results report shows "Write-in 1826" for the 28th District race with no candidate name. Grant County's candidate information page states that write-in candidates do not appear on the ballot, on county websites, or in the printed voters' pamphlet. Skagit County's elections page links only to the primary candidate list, which shows one name in each of its four races.
"This is not one county's oversight, which is why we took it to the Secretary of State. Nine people qualified for the November ballot under the same statute, and the official results name none of them," said Cody Hart, certified write-in candidate for Skagit County Sheriff. "Voters in six counties are looking at results pages that show races as uncontested when they are not."
"Garfield County shows it can be done. Its results name the write-in candidate, and its pamphlet lists her," said Derrill J. Fussell, certified write-in candidate for Skagit County Coroner. "Every county that certified a write-in candidate has the same numbers. They should publish them."
The complaint, filed under RCW 29A.04.570, which permits any state resident to file a complaint with the Secretary of State about the conduct of an election in a county, asks the Elections Division to review Skagit County's reporting of the primary and to issue guidance to all 39 county auditors before September 18, 2026, the date military and overseas ballots are scheduled to be mailed, directing that each qualifying write-in candidate's certified total be published in the official abstract of votes and in the online results. It also asks the Division to confirm that a write-in candidate who qualified for the general election ballot is a candidate for all purposes of that election, including county voters' pamphlets.
The separate demand letter asks the Skagit County Auditor, by the same date, to post the official canvass report with each write-in candidate's certified total, to display those totals online, to correct the county candidates page, and to issue public notice of the general election candidates.
The general election candidate list for each county is available at Vote WA, and primary results by county are available at the state election results site.
About the candidates


Cody Hart and Derrill J. Fussell are residents of Skagit County, Washington, and certified write-in candidates for Skagit County Sheriff and Skagit County Coroner, respectively, in the November 3, 2026 general election. Both advanced from the August 4, 2026 primary after receiving more than one percent of the votes cast for their offices. Learn more at skagitresidents.com
###
For more information about Candidate Cody Hart, contact the company here:
Candidate Cody Hart
Cody Hart
info@codyhart.org
901 Metcalf #71
Sedro Woolley WA 98284

AI Search Research Update Tracks How Prospects Search for Higher Education Programs in 2026

NEW ORLEANS, LA - September 16, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
UPCEA and Search Influence released AI Search in Higher Education: How Prospects Search in 2026, the second annual installment of their ongoing AI search in higher education research examining how prospective students discover, evaluate, and choose academic programs. The year-over-year data show search behavior continues to diversify rapidly, even as the list of programs prospects seriously weigh before applying remains remarkably small.
The AI search research update finds that 80% of prospective students are extremely or very likely to use traditional search engines when researching programs, keeping search engines the dominant starting point for program research. At the same time, 54% report being likely to turn to AI-powered tools during that same research process, and 58% now say they use AI tools the way they would a traditional search engine, up from 50% a year earlier. Daily use of AI-powered search has climbed even faster: 39% of respondents now use AI tools daily, up from 24% in 2025, while the share who never use AI for search fell from 17% to 12%.

Within that shift, AI-generated search overviews are emerging as a meaningful trust signal for higher education marketers. Eighty-three percent of respondents said they read AI-generated overviews when they appear in results, and 59% of that group go on to click through to a cited source. Sixty-four percent of respondents said being cited as a source in an AI Overview makes them trust that institution more, up from 56% in last year's report, pointing to a growing payoff for institutions whose content gets surfaced and cited by AI tools.
"Search behavior keeps diversifying, while institutional consideration sets continue to shrink," said Bruce Etter, senior director of research and consulting at UPCEA. "Over half of respondents considered three schools or fewer. With the growing influence of AI in the prospective student search journey, a citation in an AI answer can truly be the deciding factor for an institution to make a learner's increasingly small shortlist."
That shrinking shortlist is one of the report's central findings: 56% of prospective students say they seriously consider three or fewer continuing and online education programs before applying. The research update also found that prospects are growing more discerning as they grow more reliant on AI, with 86% of respondents citing at least one specific concern about AI search tools, such as accuracy or bias, up from 68% in 2025.
"We're still in the window of opportunity for institutions, who have more influence in AI answers than they might think," said Paula French, director of sales and marketing at Search Influence. "Prospective students use and trust AI in their research. Institutions should prioritize accurate, authoritative content that AI can confidently cite, and make sure that content shows up in both organic and AI search results. With a consideration set this small, there's no room to miss out."
The AI search in higher education research draws on survey responses from 1,057 qualified adults ages 18 to 60 who expressed interest in continuing and online education, fielded May 5 through May 14, 2026. It builds on UPCEA and Search Influence's inaugural report released in 2025, continuing an annual measurement of prospective student search behavior across search engines, AI tools, and other platforms. UPCEA and Search Influence will host a companion webinar reviewing the full findings on October 20, 2026. The complete report is available for download.
 

About Search Influence


Search Influence is a digital marketing agency specializing in AI and organic search engine optimization, digital advertising, and analytics for higher education, hospitality, and healthcare. Founded in 2006, Search Influence's core purpose is to optimize potential. The agency collaborates with well-regarded brands and institutions both nationally and locally in New Orleans. Clients include: Harvard University, New Orleans & Company, and Audubon Nature Institute.
###
For more information about Search Influence, contact the company here:
Search Influence
Angie Scott
(504) 208-3900
info@searchinfluence.com
1423 Pine St New Orleans, LA 70118

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Seatylock Addresses Confusion Over Bike Chain Locks Amid Fall Campus Theft Warnings

Dover, Delaware - September 16, 2026 - PRESSADVANTAGE - 
As United States universities enter the fall term, campus police departments are issuing renewed warnings about bicycle, e-bike, and e-scooter theft, prompting Seatylock, a certified mobility security brand, to clarify a common misconception about how riders evaluate chain locks.
Recent campus reports illustrate the scale of the concern. On September 3, 2026, the University of Wisconsin Madison Police Department reported three electric bicycle and scooter thefts between August 27 and September 2, noting that the return of students typically coincides with increased theft activity. The University of Pennsylvania's September 8 crime report recorded a secured bicycle, two secured e-bikes, and a secured electric scooter stolen from bike racks during August 24 through 30. California State University Northridge similarly logged multiple secured bicycle and e-bike thefts, including incidents where locks were cut before the bikes were taken.

These warnings often advise riders to upgrade their locks, and some caution that chain and cable locks can be cut quickly. Seatylock notes that campus police are correct to steer riders away from weak locking solutions. The company adds an important technical distinction: the term "chain lock" describes a format, not a security rating. Sold Secure, an independent testing body, maintains certified bicycle chain locks across Silver, Gold, and Diamond grades, meaning construction and certification vary dramatically between products that share the same category name.
Seatylock's Seatylock Bike Chain Locks Guide separates chain security by certification, reach, application, and construction rather than treating every chain as equivalent. The distinction matters because a lightweight basic chain and a hardened alloy-steel chain designed for higher-security use offer very different resistance to attack, even though both may be marketed simply as chains.
"Riders should not choose a lock purely by its format," said Michael Shenkerman of Seatylock. "A basic chain, a hardened certified chain, a cable lock, a folding lock, and a U-lock can all behave very differently under attack. The independently verified security level and the real-world locking setup matter far more than the word printed on the packaging."
The company's Seatylock Cut-Resistant Chain Lock Guide outlines the factors that determine how difficult a chain is to defeat, including link diameter, steel hardness, and the pick resistance of the lockhead and cylinder. Independent certification, the company explains, verifies these claims and gives riders a standardized reference point that marketing terms such as "heavy duty" cannot provide.
Technique also plays a role. The Seatylock Chain vs U-Lock Security Guide explains that a chain routed tightly through the frame, wheel, and a fixed anchor, with slack minimized and the chain kept off the pavement, reduces the leverage available to an attacker. Longer chains can accommodate oversized e-bike frames, unusual racks, wide posts, cargo bikes, or two-bike configurations that a rigid U-lock cannot reach.
Shenkerman added, "The question consumers should ask is not whether a lock is a chain or a U-lock, but what independently verified security level that specific lock provides."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-muRWYKndUw
Founded in 2008, Seatylock designs, produces, and assembles independently certified bike locks and mobility security products in-house. Its product families include folding locks, U-locks, chain locks, and seat-lock hybrids built around the principle of protection perfected by design.
###
For more information about Seatylock, contact the company here:
Seatylock
Michael Shenkerman
info@seatylock.com
3500 S Dupont HWY
Dover 19901-6041 
Delaware 
USA
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Haymaker Acquisition Corp. V

Haymaker Acquisition Corp V Announces Pricing of $250,000,000 Initial Public Offering

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