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Second Chance University’s Latest Podcast Series, A Mother’s Voice, Now Available on Securus Tablets

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Storytelling lifts mothers’ voices as they are often unsung, universal, catalysts, cheerleaders, and change agents for stronger entry outcomes

DALLAS, Aug. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Securus Technologies (Securus), an Aventiv Technologies (Aventiv) company and the leading provider of connections between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones, today announced the release of Second Chance University’s latest podcast, “A Mother’s Voice,” now available on 600,000 Securus tablets nationwide. Hosted by Second Chance University’s Founder and President Andre Norman, the 12-part series amplifies the voices of mothers whose stories and emotional journeys as advocates, support systems, and windows to the outside world bring to life an entirely new view of navigating incarceration with a loved one.

“When a person is incarcerated, society disconnects them as a punishment as they go through an experience dominated by courts, judges, lawyers, therapists, and others who are part of the process,” said Andre Norman, Founder and President, Second Chance University. “We overlook that separating individuals from their mothers, who are often the central support system to these individuals whose lives are changing dramatically, can be catastrophic. The stories in this series paint a clear picture, and remind us, of the role mothers can play in helping a person transform and rehabilitate.”

Norman, himself a justice-impacted individual whose father was incarcerated and who was himself sentenced to over 100 years in prison, spent two years in solitary confinement. There, he experienced an epiphany that transformed him from a prison gang member to someone who invested 20 hours a day educating himself to pursue his dreams and restore his future. He taught himself to read and to understand the law, helping chart a course towards freedom through the successful appeal of his conviction and release 14 years into his sentence.

Since incarceration, he has spent much of his adult life advocating for the justice impacted, those that are incarcerated, their families, and correctional staff, hoping to bring reform to an outdated criminal justice system. Norman now travels the world listening to and mentoring other justice-impacted individuals and families hoping to be a catalyst for change.

“I grew up in a community with many challenges, but we all knew who the ‘Kool-Aid’ or ‘candy’ mom was—the mother who looked out for everyone in the neighborhood when no one else could,” said Norman. “She offered a strong voice, free of judgement; and via this podcast, we hope to provide inspiration and understanding that empowers people to find a better way.”

Norman, a member of the Aventiv Technologies Advisory Board, has collaborated with Securus, an Aventiv Technologies company and the leading provider of corrections communications, to make the podcast series available on Securus tablets in correctional facilities nationwide. Over the past five years, Securus has invested more than $600 million in infrastructure upgrades, deploying these tablets to provide incarcerated individuals with access to safe technology that bridges the digital divide and connects them to resources that lead to better reentry outcomes.

“Aventiv believes in creating change to build a society that embraces individual experience and second chances, and we surrounded ourselves with leaders whose diversity and expertise can help accelerate progress,” said Dave Abel, Aventiv, CEO. “As a founding member of our Advisory Board and a champion for justice-impacted individuals, Andre highlights an often-overlooked insight that incarceration affects both families and communities, and connecting these networks to others with the same lived experience can bring confidence, hope, and inspiration for a better way.”

Second Chance University’s “A Mother’s Voice” 12-series podcast is available on YouTube to the general public and via Securus tablets for incarcerated individuals seeking to connect with the stories of hope, inspiration, reunification and forgiveness that are uniquely part of each individual’s return home.

Episode 1: Life Is Worth Living: Sharicca, a nonprofit founder, discusses her journey as a single mother, and the tragic loss of her son after being released by the criminal justice system, stressing the importance of mental health.

Episode 2: An Unbreakable Bond: Crystal, a remarkable mother of three, opens up about her unwavering belief in her children’s potential, which shines through as she encourages them to pursue educational and vocational opportunities while incarcerated, highlighting the hope a mother’s love can provide.

Episode 3: More Than a Number: Tekesia from Atlanta shares learnings on navigating the criminal justice system and the enduring power of a mother’s love through her son’s incarceration.

Episode 4: A Journey of Healing: Cassandra, a resilient mother from Atlanta, shares her journey navigating the criminal justice system and maintaining an unbreakable bond with her incarcerated son.Episode 5: Mama, I Should Have Listened: Tasha, an entrepreneur and advocate shares her powerful story of seeing her son in court, the devastating 40-year sentence he received as well as her unwavering love for her children and her mission to make a difference in the lives of others.

Episode 6: Love Has No Boundaries: Tiesha from Grand Rapids, Michigan shares her powerful story of resilience, hope, and unwavering love for her children as she experiences the arrest and legal battles of her son firsthand.

Episode 7: Love, Hope, and Perseverance: Lakeisha shares her incredible journey of navigating the challenges of raising three incarcerated sons and her mission to make a difference in the lives of others.

Episode 8: Struggles Build Strength: Kimberly shares how she overcame adversity and found strength through life’s challenges, including the heart-wrenching experience of seeing her daughter and son taken away in handcuffs and going through the criminal justice system.

Episode 9: The Sacrifices of a Mother: Ersela shares her powerful story of overcoming adversity and finding success, including overcoming the heartbreaking moment when her autistic son was arrested and had to navigate the criminal justice system.

Episode 10: Losing My Son to the System: Jennifer shares her heartbreaking journey of seeking justice for her son who was tragically murdered in a Georgia prison.

Episode 11: Life Without Parole: Sarah from Holland, Michigan shares her emotional journey of raising her son and the heart-wrenching experience of his incarceration.

Episode 12:  Fighting for My Son’s Future: Tiffany shares her emotional journey of navigating the challenges of her son’s incarceration and the impact on her own life.

About Securus Technologies:
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Securus Technologies is an Aventiv Technologies company, whose focus is connecting what matters®, by serving more than 3,450 public safety, law enforcement, and corrections agencies and over 1,200,000 incarcerated individuals across North America. Securus Technologies commitment to serve and connect is delivered by providing emergency response, incident management, public information, investigation, biometric analysis, communication, information management, incarcerated individual self-service, and monitoring products and services in order to make our world a safer place to live. For more information, please visit aventiv.com/securus-technologies or follow Securus on LinkedIn.

About Second Chance University:
Second Chance University, inspired by Founder and President Andre Norman’s transformative mission, is here to support you every step of the way. Our community is dedicated to providing prisoners and ex-convicts with the education, resources, and support needed to successfully reintegrate into society and pave the way for a fulfilling life. We offer a nurturing environment where former inmates can access tailored programs, essential resources, and a supportive network designed to empower them for a successful societal reentry and a prosperous future. At second chance university, we believe in the power of education, the strength of community, and the resilience of the human spirit. No matter your past, your future is unwritten, and full of potential. For more information on second chance university, please visit us at https://secondchanceuniversity.org/.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/second-chance-universitys-latest-podcast-series-a-mothers-voice-now-available-on-securus-tablets-302212929.html

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Football Tournament Season Sparks Global Social Connection Surge as 3Fun Reports Growth Across Key Markets

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NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the World Cup enters its final stage and fans celebrate across the globe, new data from 3Fun, the leading dating app for open-minded singles and partners, reveals that the World Cup’s impact extends far beyond the stadium. The tournament has ignited a massive surge in global social activity, with users increasingly turning to the platform to translate sporting euphoria into personal connections.

The “Celebratory Intimacy” Effect: Why Winning Drives Matching

Psychological research has long suggested that major sports victories do more than just boost national pride; they influence human biology and intimacy. Studies indicate that watching a favorite team win can temporarily elevate testosterone levels in fans, leading to a surge in sexual desire and “celebratory intimacy”. This theory is vividly reflected in 3Fun’s latest performance metrics.

Compared with the previous 20-day period, 3Fun saw a 6.13% increase in Daily Active Users (DAU) during the peak of the World Cup season (June 23 – July 12), adding more than 275,000 active participants. The platform’s “heat” was further evidenced by an additional 446,491 messages sent, while the user match rate jumped by 5.71%, resulting in nearly 50,000 new connections.

Spain and Argentina Lead the “Lust for Victory”

The data shows a direct correlation between success on the pitch and activity on 3Fun. Nations with deep football cultures and strong tournament performances saw the highest growth:

Spain: Witnessed a staggering 37.56% surge in new users.Argentina: Followed with a 26.62% increase.France & Mexico: Saw growth rates of 25.44% and 21.42% respectively.

In the U.S., cities like Houston (+8.98%) and New York (+7.45%) led the way. This trend aligns with a broader cultural shift: recent 3Fun data reveals that 69% of Americans report a growing interest in non-traditional relationships, with 77% of seekers preferring dating apps to find compatible partners.

Digital Jet-Setting: 3Fun’s “Roaming” Feature Becomes a Fan Favorite

While millions traveled for the games, many more “traveled” virtually. 3Fun’s new Roaming feature, currently in gray-scale testing, allows users to explore connections beyond their current location by virtually discovering communities in other cities.

The top 10 “Roaming” destinations during the Football Tournament  season reveal where the world’s social interest was concentrated:

Sao Paulo, Brazil (17.35% of total roaming volume)New York, USA (14.82%)Las Vegas, USA (11.37%)Los Angeles, USA (11.19%)London, UK (9.89%)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (7.40%)Houston, USA (7.36%)Dallas, USA (7.18%)Miami, USA (6.85%)Chicago, USA (6.60%).

The dominance of Brazilian cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro highlights a “digital pilgrimage” to the spiritual home of football, where users sought to connect with the local energy and like-minded fans.

3Fun Insight: Connection Beyond the Game

“Major global events like the World Cup bring people together far beyond the borders of the pitch,” said Daniel Morgan, 3Fun’s Director of Social Trends. “Our data shows that users aren’t just looking for scores; they are looking for meaningful, shared experiences. Whether through virtual roaming or local matching, these events create unique windows for people to explore their desires in a safe, celebratory, and inclusive community”.

Daniel further noted, “With 72% of users noticing growing acceptance of diverse relationship styles, global sports events such as the World Cup represent a moment when people feel more open to meeting others and exploring new forms of connection”.

About 3Fun: With over 10 million downloads and 3 million verified active users worldwide, 3Fun is the leading dating app for open-minded singles and partners to meet like-minded people. The platform provides a safe and inclusive space to explore ethical open relationships and polyamory, fostering community and connection without judgment. 

Disclaimer: 3Fun is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by FIFA, the World Cup, or any official World Cup organizing body. All references to the tournament are descriptive or for informational and topical context only.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/football-tournament-season-sparks-global-social-connection-surge-as-3fun-reports-growth-across-key-markets-302828995.html

SOURCE 3Fun

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Best AI Design Tools (2026): CapCut Named a Top Choice for Creating Images and Marketing Assets by Software Experts

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NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Software Experts has recognized CapCut as a top choice among AI design tools for 2026, citing its AI Design Studio as a standout resource for creating images and marketing assets. The recognition points to the platform’s combination of automated layout generation, image editing, and campaign focused features built for marketers, e-commerce sellers, and content creators.

Best AI Design Tools

CapCut AI Design Studio – a web based design workspace that uses AI to help users create ads, product visuals, and branded content without prior design experience.

Core Capabilities of the AI Design Studio

The AI Design Studio is built around a conversational, infinite canvas that allows users to work with an AI design agent in real time. Instead of starting from a blank template, users type a prompt, upload reference images, and receive layout options generated automatically.

The latest version, Design 2.0, brings references, drafts, assets, and edits into a single workspace. Features include pencil prompting for visual editing, smart layer split for separating subjects and backgrounds, and a One More function that generates new creative directions from an existing design. Users can circle, brush, or mark up an image directly to guide how the AI adjusts a design, rather than relying only on written prompts.

An inspiration hub with built in assets and license free images is also part of the workspace, helping users start projects without sourcing outside materials. Layers for text, subjects, and backgrounds remain editable throughout the process, which allows for adjustments without regenerating an entire design from scratch.

Applications for E-Commerce and Marketing Teams

The AI Design Studio supports several common business use cases, including product content creation, trend based design remixing, and clothing visualization for fashion brands. These features are designed to reduce the time spent on repetitive production tasks, particularly for teams that need to update visuals frequently.

For e-commerce sellers, the tool can generate product main images, banners, and packaging designs from a single uploaded photo, and supports batch replacement across shared backgrounds. A seller managing multiple product lines can apply the same background and layout across different items with one click, rather than recreating each asset individually.

Fashion brands can use the AI clothing try-on feature to visualize how garments appear on different models, helping with catalog updates during seasonal campaigns such as Black Friday. Marketing and social teams can generate assets in multiple styles and resize them automatically for different platforms, which helps maintain consistency across channels without manual reformatting. The trend remixing feature also allows brands to reference the structure of a popular design while keeping the content original to their own products.

Design Automation Powered by Seedream 5.0

For marketing posters and layout heavy assets, the AI Design Studio incorporates the Seedream 5.0 model, which is ranked first on Artificial Analysis’ Text-to-Image Leaderboard. The model is used to arrange visual elements, generate multiple layout variations, and handle typesetting automatically based on uploaded product images.

This approach is intended to reduce the manual work involved in formatting marketing materials. Uploading one or more product photos allows the system to generate several layout options, positioning text, imagery, and other elements without requiring manual placement. Once a layout is generated, users can continue refining it with stickers, filters, or additional effects within the same workspace.

The process is designed to move from prompt to a finished, ready to use asset without requiring separate design software. For teams producing large volumes of seasonal or promotional content, this can reduce the number of tools involved in a single campaign.

Why AI Design Tools Matter for Small Teams

AI design tools are becoming useful because many teams need more visual content than traditional workflows can comfortably support. The Software Experts review notes that marketers, creators, and small businesses often need product images, social graphics, banners, email headers, event posters, and campaign visuals on tight timelines.

For small teams, the main advantage is not simply automation. It is the ability to get to a workable draft faster. Starting from a blank canvas can slow down campaign production, especially when a team is managing several platforms or product lines. AI-assisted design tools can generate starting points, resize assets, suggest layouts, and help keep visuals consistent across channels.

Access and Getting Started

The AI Design Studio is accessible through CapCut desktop by selecting Design Agent from the main dashboard. Users enter a text prompt describing the desired output, optionally upload reference images, and review the generated results.

A typical workflow might involve uploading a reference photo and entering a detailed prompt describing a desired style, color palette, or setting. The AI then generates initial design options based on that input. The built in editor allows for further adjustments, including color changes, auto cutout, element removal, and text overlays, before the final image is downloaded in high resolution.

Software Experts noted that the AI Design Studio is suited to a range of users, from e-commerce sellers managing large catalogs to individual creators producing social media content, as well as marketing teams handling multiple campaigns at once. The tool is offered as part of CapCut’s existing platform, with pricing details available directly through CapCut.

Readers can find the full review at Software Experts.

About CapCut

CapCut is an AI-powered photo and video editing platform designed to make high-quality video creation accessible across devices. The platform supports creators, businesses, and everyday users with tools for video editing, AI video generation, captions, templates, audio, and visual editing. CapCut is available across mobile, web, desktop, and iPad experiences, helping users create, edit, and prepare video content for social media, marketing, education, and personal projects.

About Software Experts: Software Experts delivers in-depth news on the digital tools shaping today’s consumer experience. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-ai-design-tools-2026-capcut-named-a-top-choice-for-creating-images-and-marketing-assets-by-software-experts-302828625.html

SOURCE SoftwareExperts.org

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Best AI Design Tools (2026): CapCut Named a Top Choice for Creating Images and Marketing Assets by Software Experts

Published

on

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NEW YORK, July 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Software Experts has recognized CapCut as a top choice among AI design tools for 2026, citing its AI Design Studio as a standout resource for creating images and marketing assets. The recognition points to the platform’s combination of automated layout generation, image editing, and campaign focused features built for marketers, e-commerce sellers, and content creators.

Best AI Design Tools

CapCut AI Design Studio – a web based design workspace that uses AI to help users create ads, product visuals, and branded content without prior design experience.

Core Capabilities of the AI Design Studio

The AI Design Studio is built around a conversational, infinite canvas that allows users to work with an AI design agent in real time. Instead of starting from a blank template, users type a prompt, upload reference images, and receive layout options generated automatically.

The latest version, Design 2.0, brings references, drafts, assets, and edits into a single workspace. Features include pencil prompting for visual editing, smart layer split for separating subjects and backgrounds, and a One More function that generates new creative directions from an existing design. Users can circle, brush, or mark up an image directly to guide how the AI adjusts a design, rather than relying only on written prompts.

An inspiration hub with built in assets and license free images is also part of the workspace, helping users start projects without sourcing outside materials. Layers for text, subjects, and backgrounds remain editable throughout the process, which allows for adjustments without regenerating an entire design from scratch.

Applications for E-Commerce and Marketing Teams

The AI Design Studio supports several common business use cases, including product content creation, trend based design remixing, and clothing visualization for fashion brands. These features are designed to reduce the time spent on repetitive production tasks, particularly for teams that need to update visuals frequently.

For e-commerce sellers, the tool can generate product main images, banners, and packaging designs from a single uploaded photo, and supports batch replacement across shared backgrounds. A seller managing multiple product lines can apply the same background and layout across different items with one click, rather than recreating each asset individually.

Fashion brands can use the AI clothing try-on feature to visualize how garments appear on different models, helping with catalog updates during seasonal campaigns such as Black Friday. Marketing and social teams can generate assets in multiple styles and resize them automatically for different platforms, which helps maintain consistency across channels without manual reformatting. The trend remixing feature also allows brands to reference the structure of a popular design while keeping the content original to their own products.

Design Automation Powered by Seedream 5.0

For marketing posters and layout heavy assets, the AI Design Studio incorporates the Seedream 5.0 model, which is ranked first on Artificial Analysis’ Text-to-Image Leaderboard. The model is used to arrange visual elements, generate multiple layout variations, and handle typesetting automatically based on uploaded product images.

This approach is intended to reduce the manual work involved in formatting marketing materials. Uploading one or more product photos allows the system to generate several layout options, positioning text, imagery, and other elements without requiring manual placement. Once a layout is generated, users can continue refining it with stickers, filters, or additional effects within the same workspace.

The process is designed to move from prompt to a finished, ready to use asset without requiring separate design software. For teams producing large volumes of seasonal or promotional content, this can reduce the number of tools involved in a single campaign.

Why AI Design Tools Matter for Small Teams

AI design tools are becoming useful because many teams need more visual content than traditional workflows can comfortably support. The Software Experts review notes that marketers, creators, and small businesses often need product images, social graphics, banners, email headers, event posters, and campaign visuals on tight timelines.

For small teams, the main advantage is not simply automation. It is the ability to get to a workable draft faster. Starting from a blank canvas can slow down campaign production, especially when a team is managing several platforms or product lines. AI-assisted design tools can generate starting points, resize assets, suggest layouts, and help keep visuals consistent across channels.

Access and Getting Started

The AI Design Studio is accessible through CapCut desktop by selecting Design Agent from the main dashboard. Users enter a text prompt describing the desired output, optionally upload reference images, and review the generated results.

A typical workflow might involve uploading a reference photo and entering a detailed prompt describing a desired style, color palette, or setting. The AI then generates initial design options based on that input. The built in editor allows for further adjustments, including color changes, auto cutout, element removal, and text overlays, before the final image is downloaded in high resolution.

Software Experts noted that the AI Design Studio is suited to a range of users, from e-commerce sellers managing large catalogs to individual creators producing social media content, as well as marketing teams handling multiple campaigns at once. The tool is offered as part of CapCut’s existing platform, with pricing details available directly through CapCut.

Readers can find the full review at Software Experts.

About CapCut

CapCut is an AI-powered photo and video editing platform designed to make high-quality video creation accessible across devices. The platform supports creators, businesses, and everyday users with tools for video editing, AI video generation, captions, templates, audio, and visual editing. CapCut is available across mobile, web, desktop, and iPad experiences, helping users create, edit, and prepare video content for social media, marketing, education, and personal projects.

About Software Experts: Software Experts delivers in-depth news on the digital tools shaping today’s consumer experience. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/best-ai-design-tools-2026-capcut-named-a-top-choice-for-creating-images-and-marketing-assets-by-software-experts-302828625.html

SOURCE SoftwareExperts.org

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