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THIRTEEN Launches Your Voice Matters Digital Series, Unpacking Key 2024 Election Issues for New Yorkers and New Jerseyans

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New eight-part YouTube series equips voters with clear insights on housing, climate change, immigration and more.

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Launching today on YouTube, THIRTEEN’s Your Voice Matters is an eight-part digital series examining the issues shaping the lives of New Yorkers and New Jerseyans ahead of the 2024 election. The series delves into key topics like housing, climate change and immigration, offering in-depth analyses to help voters make informed decisions at the polls.

Designed to break down complex issues, Your Voice Matters combines interviews with everyday citizens, subject matter experts, and policymakers. Each 6- to 8-minute episode provides viewers with an accessible yet thorough examination of key issues, helping voters make more informed decisions at the polls.

“Your Voice Matters aims to bring crucial election issues closer to home,” said Neal Shapiro, president and CEO of the WNET Group. “By featuring local voices and real-life stories, we hope to engage and empower our audience, helping them feel more connected, informed, and ready to vote.”

Episodes will be released on YouTube through Nov. 12, with complementary content shared on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. The series kicks off with episodes focused on housing, caregiving, and immigration.

Housing – Premieres Oct. 1 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
The series premiere examines the housing challenges faced by New Yorkers and New Jerseyans, featuring a new mom searching for space for her family and a resident of New York’s first LGBTQ+ safe senior housing development. Attorney, former Rent Guidelines Board member and current NYC Planning Commissioner Leah Goodridge, along with Cea Weaver, coalition director of Housing Justice for All, discuss efforts to reduce housing costs. Produced in collaboration with Epicenter NYC.Caregiving – Premieres Oct. 3 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode explores the financial challenges New Yorkers face while caring for loved ones and how this year’s election could affect families. Rebecca Bailin, co-founder of New Yorkers United for Childcare, discusses the national campaign for childcare reform, while Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi and residents of India Home address culturally informed senior living services. Produced in collaboration with Epicenter NYC.Immigration – Premieres Oct. 8 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
As immigration remains a key issue, this episode explores how the election affects New York, where 40 percent of residents are foreign-born. Your Voice Matters speaks with coaches and players from the Raccoons, a Queens-based basketball academy helping immigrant children adjust to life in the city, and with Clinton Hill residents about the local migrant crisis. Professor and journalist Felipe De La Hoz breaks down immigration policy. Produced in collaboration with Epicenter NYC.Transportation – Premieres Oct. 15 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode tackles the region’s aging transportation infrastructure, featuring commuter stories and expert insights on how these issues could affect election outcomes. Produced in collaboration with NJ PBS.Reproductive Rights – Premieres Oct. 22 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode covers the intense emotions and political battles surrounding reproductive rights, featuring personal stories from representatives and citizens involved in the ongoing debate. Produced in collaboration with NJ PBS.Climate – Premieres Oct. 29 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode highlights the impact of climate change on Long Island’s coastal communities, as residents voice their concerns ahead of the 2024 election. Produced in collaboration with The Express News Group.Youth Vote – Premieres Nov. 5 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode focuses on the issues motivating young voters, featuring students and first-time voters mobilizing for change and influencing election outcomes. Produced in collaboration with Hofstra University’s The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.2025 and Beyond – Premieres Nov. 12 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode takes a forward-looking view at how the results of the 2024 election will shape the future of New York and New Jersey politics, with insights from experts and community leaders. Produced in collaboration with THE CITY.

The series is part of THIRTEEN’s Your Election 2024 initiative, which provides comprehensive election-related programming — available on-air, online, and on YouTube — across THIRTEEN, NJ PBS, and WLIW/WLIW-FM.

Your Voice Matters is produced in collaboration with local partners, including NJ PBS, which provides news coverage across New Jersey; Epicenter NYC, a multiplatform community journalism organization; Hofstra University’s The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, whose students collaborated with the Your Voice Matters team to engage younger audiences; The Express News Group, which covers news across the East End of Long Island; and THE CITY, a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to accountability journalism for New Yorkers.

Viewers are invited to join the conversation about the upcoming election and share how they are preparing to vote using the hashtag #ReadytoVote2024. Follow @ThirteenWNET on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to participate and stay connected.

Your Voice Matters is produced by THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET. Executive producers are Joe Lee, Diane Masciale and Dana Roberson. Shant Alexander is the associate producer. Joe Harrell is the managing editor. Erin McIntyre is the associate director.

Support for Your Voice Matters is provided by the Barbara Hope Foundation and by The WNET Group’s News and Public Affairs Fund. For more information and a list of supporters, please visit: wnet.org/support/wnet-funds/.

Websites:
https://www.thirteen.org/your-election-2024/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thirteenwnet
Facebook: http://facebook.com/thirteenwnet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirteenwnet
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thirteenwnet
#ReadytoVote2024

About The WNET Group
The WNET Group creates inspiring media content and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences nationwide. It is the community-supported home of New York’s THIRTEEN – America’s flagship PBS station – WLIW21, THIRTEEN PBSKids, WLIW World and Create; NJ PBS, New Jersey’s statewide public television network; Long Island’s only NPR station WLIW-FM; ALL ARTS, the arts and culture media provider; newsroom NJ Spotlight News; and FAST channel PBS Nature. Through these channels and streaming platforms, The WNET Group brings arts, culture, education, news, documentary, entertainment and DIY programming to more than five million viewers each month. The WNET Group’s award-winning productions include signature PBS series Nature, Great Performances, American Masters and Amanpour and Company and trusted local news program NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi. Inspiring curiosity and nurturing dreams, The WNET Group’s award-winning Kids’ Media and Education team produces the PBS KIDS series Cyberchase, interactive Mission US history games, and resources for families, teachers and caregivers. A leading nonprofit public media producer for more than 60 years, The WNET Group presents and distributes content that fosters lifelong learning, including multiplatform initiatives addressing poverty, jobs, economic opportunity, social justice, understanding and the environment. Through Passport, station members can stream new and archival programming anytime, anywhere. The WNET Group represents the best in public media. Join us.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thirteen-launches-your-voice-matters-digital-series-unpacking-key-2024-election-issues-for-new-yorkers-and-new-jerseyans-302264822.html

SOURCE The WNET Group

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Colleen Reilly as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence

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PORT ST. JOE, Fla., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Colleen Reilly is honored as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Transforming Catering and Event Services in Northwest Florida.

Since 2015, Colleen Reilly has served as founder and CEO of Catering Connections, a company that has redefined catering in Northwest Florida’s beach communities through innovation, collaboration, and community focus. Guided by her motto “Just one call feeds them all,” Ms. Reilly established a unique model by partnering with local restaurants to showcase their specialties, fostering unity among businesses while providing clients with one-of-a-kind event experiences.

With over 15 years of industry expertise, Ms. Reilly specializes in coordinating weddings, family reunions, and corporate events, managing every detail from client consultation to menu planning and flawless execution. Her dedication to service has earned Catering Connections multiple recognitions, including the Couples Choice Award from WeddingWire from 2021 to 2025, the Best of Florida Award from 2022 to 2024, and the Lux Life Hospitality and Catering Award in 2023 and 2024.

Ms. Reilly’s career foundation includes an associate degree in paralegal studies, magna cum laude, from Volunteer State College, a reflection of her meticulous approach to detail and commitment to excellence. Beyond her business, she serves her community as a board member of the Historic St. Andrews Waterfront Partnership and as president of Friends of the Governor Stone Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to preserving maritime heritage in Panama City. Her previous civic contributions include serving five years as a guardian ad litem, advocating for children within the legal system, and volunteering as a school chaperone for international student trips.

A leader who blends innovation with service, Ms. Reilly continues to grow Catering Connections while deepening her commitment to the local community. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding her company’s impact, bringing people together, and creating meaningful experiences through food and fellowship.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, editorialteam@continentalwhoswho.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-inner-circle-acknowledges-colleen-reilly-as-a-pinnacle-professional-member-inner-circle-of-excellence-302753052.html

SOURCE The Inner Circle

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Media Contributor Kianga Moore to Host Executive Media Roundtable On AI’s Transformational Impact in Retail

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Leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint, and New Nexus Group to Explore Real-Time Decision-Making, Resilience, and Growth in a Volatile Market

NEW YORK, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, supply chain volatility, and rapidly shifting consumer expectations, the upcoming convening of a high-level roundtable discussion will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape in real time.

Moderated by Media Contributor Kianga Moore, to be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 11h00am (EST), the roundtable will bring together senior leaders from AdFury.ai, Vendormint and New Nexus Group to discuss how modern enterprise platforms are leveraging AI to drive agility, efficiency, and long-term resilience across the retail ecosystem.

The discussion will additionally focus on how AI is enabling retailers to respond dynamically to changing demand signals, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen interoperability across increasingly complex vendor and marketplace networks.

“Retailers today are operating in a constant state of disruption”, stated Kianga Moore. “This roundtable will explore how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a strategic asset for anticipating change and building more resilient, adaptive American enterprise.”

Key discussion topics will include remarks on how, for example, enterprise AI platforms are helping retailers respond instantly to fluctuations in consumer demand, pricing pressures, and external supply chain disruptions and the role of AI in enhancing interoperability across vendors, partners, and marketplaces to create more agile and resilient retail infrastructures in 2026.

Rob Gonda, Chief Technical Officer at Vendormint, stated that, “Interoperability is the backbone of modern retail. AI enables seamless communication between platforms, vendors, and marketplaces—turning fragmented systems into cohesive, responsive ecosystems that can adapt under pressure.”

Discussion topics will also include machine learning’s ability to optimize ad spend, improving personalization, and delivering measurable ROI while maintaining brand trust and regulatory compliance.

Eric Howerton, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of AdFury.ai, added that,”AI is fundamentally changing how brands approach customer acquisition. By leveraging machine learning through fine-tuned, retail-specific agentic flows, we can not only optimize ad spend in real time, but we can also ensure messaging is personalized, compliant, and aligned with evolving consumer expectations.”

And indeed the roundtable will include discussions on how AI-powered predictive analytics can help businesses anticipate economic, technological, and geopolitical disruptions ahead—and plan accordingly.

Cheryl Yarbrough, Vice President of Partnerships at New Nexus Group added that, “Resilience in retail is no longer built in quarterly planning cycles-it’s built in real time. AI gives organizations the ability to identify disruptions before they cascade, pivot strategies before momentum is lost, and maintain continuity when the market moves faster than any human team can react alone.”

The roundtable will be held via Zoom TeleConference, with questions from the press and key stakeholders to follow opening remarks and a 30-minute Q&A between the moderator and the panelists.

For all media inquiries and to register to attend, please contact: Sam Amsterdam, Amsterdam Group Public Relations Inc. – Sam@AmsterdamGroup.net / +1 (202) 910-8349

Vendormint (https://vendormint.com)New Nexus Group (https://www.newnexusgroup.com)AdFury.ai (https://www.adfury.ai)

Samuel Amsterdam
Communications Counsel
Vendormint
samuelamsterdam@gmail.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/media-contributor-kianga-moore-to-host-executive-media-roundtable-on-ais-transformational-impact-in-retail-302753148.html

SOURCE Vendormint

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Fairway Home Mortgage Earns Prestigious USA TODAY Top Workplaces Award For 6th Consecutive Year

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Fairway CEO Steve Jacobson Named #1 Leadership Award Winner of Companies With 2500+ Employees

MADISON, Wis., April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fairway Home Mortgage announced that it has earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. This is the sixth year in a row Fairway achieved this honor.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 40,500 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners at the National Awards Summit in Nashville. Watch the video of the event here.

“Being recognized with this award reflects Fairway’s commitment to bringing our people together face-to-face,” said Fairway’s CEO and Founder Steve Jacobson. “Companies are better when their people are around each other. People need each other and they learn from each other, and we’re very intentional about creating opportunities for in-person collaboration at Fairway.”

Jacobson demonstrated that in-person collaboration when he traveled to Knoxville this week with Fairway Senior Vice President Dan Richards to spend time with one of Fairway’s branches and their local real estate partners. “We engaged in real conversations about the market, discussed what people are seeing on the ground, and talked about how Fairway keeps showing up for clients,” said Richards. “It’s a reflection of the same hands-on approach that has defined Fairway’s culture for more than two decades.”

“To be named a Top Workplace for six consecutive years speaks to Fairway’s leadership, our mindset, and the empowerment of our staff,” said Fairway’s Chief People and Engagement Officer Julie Fry. “Our strength isn’t just what we offer employees. What sets a top workplace apart is the daily commitment to people—prioritizing connection, valuing contributions, and creating an environment where employees feel energized to serve because they feel valued first.”

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition — it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market”

About Fairway Home Mortgage
Madison, WI- and Carrollton, TX-based Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #2289) is a full-service mortgage lender licensed in all 50 states. Fairway is the #2 overall retail lender in the U.S.

About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.™
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fairway-home-mortgage-earns-prestigious-usa-today-top-workplaces-award-for-6th-consecutive-year-302753183.html

SOURCE Fairway Home Mortgage

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