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Dr. Lisa N. Herring Named President of PROPEL

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Champion of innovation in education and proven leader of partnerships and initiatives that empower all students

ATLANTA, Oct. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Before the successful convening of the 5th annual National HBCU Week, PROPEL officially welcomed educator Dr. Lisa N. Herring as President. Herring, who most recently served as superintendent of the Atlanta Public Schools, is respected as a champion of innovation in education, having charted a longstanding history of success in propelling students to new heights of academic achievement. Herring also formerly served as superintendent of the Birmingham City Schools.

PROPEL also announced that the U.S. Department of Education named Dr. Herring as Strategic Advisor to the Secretary, where she’ll help shape the USDOE’s strategy to engage state and local officials. As the incoming president of the PROPEL Center, Dr. Herring is singularly enthused by the distinctive appointment, and the many potential ways in which the strategic role with the USDOE aligns with and complements her important work with PROPEL on behalf of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their students.

Dr. Herring’s nearly 30-year track record of excellence, from classroom teacher to trailblazing edu-tech advocate and leader spans public and private environments. She has garnered numerous accolades for her staunch, future-focused leadership and unwavering dedication to students and their success. While with the Atlanta Public School system, she established the Ed Farm Teacher Fellows, Innovation Fellows and Code Clubs. During her tenure, the school system realized exponential corporate partnership growth, and achieved the highest three-year graduation rate increase in district history. Most recently, she was recognized for her leadership in generating private-public partnerships with Fortune 500 companies to forge stronger career pathways and reimagine learning for students.

PROPEL’s leadership is energized by the addition of the prominent and accomplished education executive. “Dr. Lisa Herring is a highly regarded and transformational leader in education, who has charted a longstanding and distinctive record of stewarding innovative approaches to learning. We are pleased to welcome her as the president of PROPEL,” stated Anthony Oni, Founder and Board Chair of PROPEL. “Dr. Herring’s wealth of experience in building and leading effective teams, pioneering technology integration in learning, and cultivating impactful industry partnerships clearly sets her apart as a leader. We are confident that under Dr. Herring’s stewardship, PROPEL will continue to empower HBCU students with significant opportunities for future-focused learning, economic opportunities, and leadership development.”

Dr. Herring thoughtfully echoes that sentiment. “As many people across the HBCU ecosystem are aware, PROPEL has made tremendous strides in moving forward its mission to elevate the educational experiences of, and career opportunities for the next generation of Black leaders across industry,” says Herring. “Being a proud graduate and a recent visiting lecturer at Spelman College, I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity, as it stands as a rare chance to bring the innovation that has long been my hallmark to this organization. My goal with PROPEL is to continue to do just that, while we blaze broader paths of opportunity for the coming generations of young HBCU scholars and leaders.”

About PROPEL
Supported by founding partners Apple and Southern Company, PROPEL is a first–of–its–kind innovation and learning hub for the entire HBCU community that will serve as a catalytic epicenter of instruction, providing students with the knowledge, skills, tools and resources necessary to transform the nation’s talent pipeline and workforce. Last month, Propel launched PROPEL Learn, a student-focused app designed to revolutionize the way HBCU students prepare for future job success. PROPEL Learn provides culturally-responsive content, curriculum and tech-focused micro-credentials that are co-developed by industry experts, distinguished HBCU faculty, and notable workforce collaborators.

About PROPEL Learn
PROPEL Learn is an app designed to empower Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students in their pursuit of future career success. With a user-friendly interface and an array of innovative, culturally-curated features, PROPEL Learn aims to bridge the gap between HBCU students and their professional aspirations. Through personalized career guidance, skill development resources and interactive networking opportunities, the app strives to foster inclusivity and diversity within industries, shaping a more promising future for HBCU students. To learn more about PROPEL Learn and the available micro-credentials, visit propelcenter.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dr-lisa-n-herring-named-president-of-propel-301947531.html

SOURCE PropelCenter.org

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In HelloNation, Custom Auto Expert Gecovey Coffman Breaks Down Brake Warning Signs

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AMARILLO, Texas, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What do small changes in your vehicle’s braking behavior really mean? A HelloNation article featuring Gecovey Coffman of Coffman Customs helps drivers understand how early brake warning signs can prevent major repairs and improve safety on the road.

The article points out that many drivers ignore early signs like brake squealing or a slight change in pedal feel, assuming they’re harmless or temporary. But these signals often indicate worn brake pads or related issues that deserve prompt attention. When left unchecked, what begins as a small inconvenience can grow into a costly and potentially dangerous brake problem.

Brake squealing is among the most common early signals. According to the article, this high-pitched sound during light braking usually stems from worn brake pads or dust buildup. In Amarillo’s dry climate, dust is a regular factor in how brakes wear. The article explains that while occasional noise might be harmless, repeated or worsening squealing is one of the clearest brake warning signs to watch for.

Another issue the article explores is brake vibration. This can be felt through the pedal or steering wheel and is typically caused by uneven wear on the rotors. Brake vibration can worsen over time and reduce the driver’s ability to stop smoothly. The piece recommends brake inspection at the first sign of vibration to prevent further damage.

Pulling to one side when braking is another signal that may indicate uneven pressure or worn brake pads on a single wheel. The article explains how this imbalance can affect stability, especially in wet or dusty conditions, and is often overlooked until it impacts everyday driving.

The article also sheds light on the role of heat in brake wear. Stop-and-go traffic, frequent hard stops, and Amarillo’s shifting weather can all raise the temperature of brake components. This kind of repeated heat exposure increases the chances of brake squealing and accelerates the wear on pads and rotors alike.

The article emphasizes that a timely brake inspection can make a significant difference. It describes how inspections help identify wear patterns before they reach critical levels, limiting both cost and downtime. A standard brake inspection often includes checking for worn brake pads, measuring rotor thickness, and evaluating the condition of the brake fluid.

Speaking of brake fluid, the article notes that this is a frequently overlooked part of the system. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, which can reduce its effectiveness and lead to a softer pedal feel. The piece stresses that brake fluid should be checked regularly, as degraded fluid contributes to inconsistent stopping power, particularly under heavy use.

Seasonal changes also play a role in brake behavior. The article explains that temperature fluctuations, especially during Amarillo’s cooler mornings and warmer afternoons, can cause brake materials to expand and contract. These shifts often make existing problems like brake squealing or brake vibration more noticeable.

Even with modern dashboard alerts in newer vehicles, the article encourages drivers not to rely solely on sensors. Physical feedback, like vibration, squealing, or pulling, often appears first. By recognizing and responding to these brake warning signs early, drivers can maintain safer and more reliable braking performance.

Ultimately, the HelloNation article promotes regular maintenance as the most effective way to prevent serious brake problems. A proactive approach, based on local driving conditions and vehicle feedback, protects both safety and the vehicle’s long-term reliability.

The article, When Your Brakes Are Telling You Something, features insights from Gecovey Coffman, Custom Auto Expert of Amarillo, TX, 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.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-custom-auto-expert-gecovey-coffman-breaks-down-brake-warning-signs-302747736.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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Sinai.ai Closes $1.45M Pre-Seed Round to Reimagine the Future of Reading

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The AI-native books platform backed by KAUST Innovation Ventures, DisrupTech Ventures, and a coalition of leading investors is transforming the way people read, bringing books to life as living, interactive aiBook™ experiences

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sinai.ai, an AI-native books platform, today announced the close of its $1.45M pre-seed funding round, led by KAUST Innovation Ventures (KIV) and DisrupTech Ventures, with participation from Maza Ventures and YOUXEL Ventures, alongside a coalition of angel investors. The capital will fund proprietary tech, AI infrastructure, user acquisition, and licensing.

The $150 billion global book market has seen little innovation in format for decades. Sinai was built to change that. At the heart of the platform is the aiBook™, a trademarked, patent-backed book format built on 100% licensed, full-text content. Readers can converse with their book in real time, generate study guides and quizzes, access titles across multiple languages, and switch between reading and listening. Sinai is launching with thousands of titles, having already secured partnerships with double-digit publishers, including several prominent names in the industry.

Investor Perspectives

“We strongly believe that AI will fundamentally reshape a wide range of industries, and the book industry is long overdue for meaningful innovation. For over two decades, the core format of books has remained largely unchanged. What the Sinai.ai team is building introduces a truly new paradigm — transforming books into interactive, intelligent experiences where readers can engage, learn, and explore in entirely new ways. We are particularly excited about the team and their ability to execute on a vision that sits at the intersection of content, technology, and user experience. We are always proud to back Egyptian founders who are building category-defining companies and pushing the boundaries of innovation beyond local markets.”
— Mohamed El Sayed Okasha, DisrupTech Ventures

“What drew me to Sinai.ai is that they’re approaching a huge, old industry with respect and clarity. Publishing has been around for centuries, and for good reason, but much of how it operates hasn’t evolved at the pace of technology. Instead of trying to break it, Sinai.ai is working alongside it, using AI to modernize how books are created, produced, and distributed. That’s a harder path. It requires understanding the incentives of everyone involved and building something that fits into a real ecosystem, not just replacing it. But it’s also the more enduring one. The companies that last are often the ones that reshape industries from within, and Sinai.ai feels like it’s doing exactly that.”
— Tambi Jalouqa, Maza Ventures

About the Team

Sinai.ai was co-founded by five individuals: Ahmed Kamel (CEO), a serial tech entrepreneur with post-graduate studies in AI and innovation at Stanford; Mohamed Elshamy (CRO), Yale MBA, with experience at Google, McKinsey, and Meta; Mohamed Elshenawy (CTO), PhD in AI from the University of Toronto, and led AI teams in different ventures; Hana Malhas (CFO), University of Michigan MBA, with deep experience in creative industries; and Abdullah Moatasem (CCO), creative director with credits at Warner Bros., Netflix, and Disney+.

Media Contact
Hana Malhas
6692369534
412491@email4pr.com
www.sinai.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sinaiai-closes-1-45m-pre-seed-round-to-reimagine-the-future-of-reading-302747713.html

SOURCE Sinai.ai Inc.

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OpenTable Acquires Canadian Reservation Platform Libro, Expanding Presence in Quebec and Beyond

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, announced today that it has acquired Libro, a leading Canadian reservation and table management platform. With Libro currently serving thousands of restaurant partners in the region, the acquisition will strengthen OpenTable’s offering in Canada, specifically across Quebec.

By joining forces, OpenTable and Libro will combine industry-leading discovery, table management systems (TMS), and guest relationship tools to better serve the Canadian hospitality industry.

“Libro and OpenTable share a deep commitment to the success of local restaurants, making this a natural fit for both companies,” said Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable. “By combining Libro’s localized expertise with our global diner network, we are deepening our commitment to the Canadian dining scene and providing Libro’s restaurant partners the option to soon join OpenTable’s diner network, driving broader visibility and more bookings.”

“This is an exciting next chapter for Libro and the restaurants we serve,” said Lorne Schwartz, CEO of Libro. “By joining forces with OpenTable, we’re able to expand our reach and bring even more value to our community, while continuing to deliver the localized support and innovation our partners rely on.”

To ensure seamless service for current partners, Libro will continue to operate as a standalone brand, while benefiting from expanded visibility on the OpenTable marketplace. A phased integration of inventory, infrastructure, and security capabilities is expected to be completed in the foreseeable future.

As part of the agreement, OpenTable will welcome Libro’s employees and leadership team. The combined expertise of both organizations will focus on delivering innovative solutions for restaurateurs and diners across North America.

About OpenTable

OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), helps more than 65,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.9 billion seats a year. OpenTable’s world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.

About Libro
Libro is one of North America’s leading online guest experience platforms, providing restaurants with a fully branded way to fill tables, manage reservations, reduce no-shows, engage customers, and elevate the overall guest experience.

The platform enables operators to strengthen relationships with their guests and drive repeat visits—all within a seamless reservation experience.

Headquartered in Montreal, Libro serves restaurants across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opentable-acquires-canadian-reservation-platform-libro-expanding-presence-in-quebec-and-beyond-302747348.html

SOURCE OpenTable, Inc.

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