Business

Police were searching for teens behind San Diego mosque shooting before the bloodshed began

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Hours before an attack at a San Diego mosque that killed three men, including a security guard being hailed as a hero, police were racing to find the two teenagers who would ultimately be deemed responsible.

The search began after the mother of one of the teens reported that her son was suicidal and had run away, according to Police Chief Scott Wahl, who said weapons and her vehicle were missing from the family’s home.

Two hours later, the shooting started at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which also houses a school.

The suspects, ages 17 and 18, were found in a vehicle after killing themselves near the site of the shooting.

Authorities planned to execute search warrants Tuesday as they piece together how and why the attack happened. There was no specific threat against the Islamic center, which is the largest mosque in San Diego, but authorities found that the suspects engaged in “generalized hate rhetoric,” Wahl said, adding that the attack is being investigated as a hate crime.

Among those killed was a security guard who police believe “played a pivotal role” in keeping the attack from being “much worse,” Wahl said.

“It’s fair to say his actions were heroic,” the chief said. “Undoubtedly he saved lives.”

The mosque hasn’t released the victims’ names. But a family friend identified the guard as Amin Abdullah, who was well known at the mosque and had worked there for more than a decade.

“He wanted to defend the innocent so he decided to become a security guard,” said Shaykh Uthman Ibn Farooq, who spoke with Abdullah’s son.

The family could not immediately be reached for comment.

In a Facebook post, the mosque called him “a courageous man who put himself on the line of the safety of others, who even in his last moments did not stop protecting our community.”

The center wrote that those who died “were men who put themselves on the line for our masjid and our community,” using the Arabic word for mosque. “Men of courage, sacrifice, and faith. Their absence leaves a void that can never truly be filled.”

It didn’t provide details about the actions of the other two victims, but the mosque described one as a foundation of the center who was dedicated to building the community from the beginning, and the other as a man whose “kindness, sincerity and wavering spirit touched everyone around him.”

The shooting was the latest in a string of attacks on houses of worship and comes amid rising threats and hate crimes targeting the Muslim and Jewish communities since the beginning of war in the Middle East, forcing increases in security.

Just before the latest attack, the search for the missing teen intensified Monday morning as law enforcement began to gather more details. Police found he had dressed in camouflage and was with an acquaintance. Officers used automated license plate readers to track the car and went to a mall. They also alerted a school where at least one of the teens was a student and interviewed the mother, Wahl said.

When reports of the shooting came in, police responded within four minutes of being called. Three men were dead when they arrived, Wahl said.

The mosque sits in a neighborhood of homes, apartments and strip malls with Middle Eastern restaurants and markets. The center includes the Al Rashid School, which offers courses in Arabic language, Islamic studies and the Quran for students ages 5 and up, according to its website.

The center, which said it was closed until further notice, typically holds five daily prayers.

TV footage showed more than a dozen children holding hands and being walked out of the center’s parking lot as it was surrounded by police vehicles.

Imam Taha Hassane, the mosque’s director, called it “extremely outrageous to target a place of worship,” adding that the center focused on interfaith relations and community building.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, one of the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy groups in the U.S., condemned the shooting.

“No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school,” CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam said in a statement.

President Donald Trump called the shooting a “terrible situation.”

___

Johnson reported from Seattle. Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles, Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed to this report.

Business

What to know about a deadly attack by teen gunmen on a San Diego mosque

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Police raced Monday to catch an armed teenage runaway before he and another teen opened fire on a San Diego mosque, killing three men and then themselves.

About two hours after one boy’s mother called to warn police that he had run away with her weapons and vehicle, shots rang out at the Islamic Center of San Diego, and a mosque security guard and two others were killed, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said.

The gunmen, ages 17 and 18, were found dead of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds, the chief added.

The shooting is being investigated as a hate crime, he added.

Here’s what is known about the attack:

Search for suspects began hours before attack

Authorities say two teenage suspects opened fire at an Islamic center in San Diego, California, killing three men before taking their own lives. The killings are being investigated as a hate crime. (AP video by Javier Arciga)

Wahl said the mother, who called the police around 9:40 a.m., had described her son as suicidal. The search for the boy took on more urgency as police learned that he was dressed in camouflage and with an acquaintance — facts that were not consistent with someone about to die by suicide, the chief said.

Police used automated license plate readers to try to find the teens, dispatched authorities to a nearby mall and alerted Madison High School, where at least one suspect was a student, Wahl said. Officers were still interviewing the mother about places the teens might be when they received reports of a shooting at the largest mosque in San Diego County.

As police arrived, gunshots rang out a few blocks away where a landscaper was shot at but uninjured. The shooters were soon found dead in a vehicle stopped in the middle of a road nearby, Wahl said.

Suspects engaged in ‘generalized hate rhetoric’

There was no specific threat made against the the Islamic Center of San Diego but authorities found evidence that the suspects engaged in “generalized hate rhetoric,” Wahl said. He declined to immediately share more details.

The mosque’s director, Imam Taha Hassane, said the center focused on interfaith relations, and that a group of non-Muslims had been touring the mosque earlier Monday to learn about Islam.

The white mosque is surrounded by homes, apartments and strip malls with Middle Eastern restaurants and markets. It is home to the Al Rashid School, which offers courses in Arabic language, Islamic studies and the Quran for students ages 5 and up, according to its website. No students were harmed, Hassane said, and aerial TV footage showed the school children holding hands as they were led out of the parking lot surrounded by police vehicles.

Security guard remembered as ‘heroic’

Police have not yet released the names of the victims. But a family friend identified one as Amin Abdullah, a security guard whom Wahl said “played a pivotal role” in preventing the attack from being more deadly.

Shaykh Uthman Ibn Farooq said he had spoken with Abdullah’s son. The family could not immediately be reached for comment.

“He wanted to defend the innocent so he decided to become a security guard,” he said.

Wahl credited Abdullah with saving lives.

“It’s fair to say his actions were heroic,” the chief said at a news conference.

Business

Service 1st names Lucas Jones senior vice president of operations

HAMMONTON, N.J., May 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Service First Information Solutions, LLC (Service 1st), a leading provider of credit reporting and verification solutions for the mortgage industry, announced today the appointment of Lucas Jones as Senior Vice President of Operations. In this role, Jones will lead operational strategy and execution, with a focus on driving efficiency, enhancing customer experience, and supporting the company’s next phase of growth.

Image caption: Service 1st Senior Vice President of Operations Lucas Jones.

Jones brings more than 20 years of experience in mortgage lending, financial services, fintech and proptech. He has a proven track record of building and scaling operational infrastructure, optimizing processes and aligning cross-functional teams to support high-growth environments.

Prior to joining NCS, he served as Head of Operations at RenoFi, where he managed end-to-end mortgage operations, scaled the team significantly and played a key role in product and process innovation. His background also includes leadership roles in banking and consulting, where he advised organizations on improving efficiency and reducing risk.

At Service 1st, he will focus on evaluating and enhancing operational processes to ensure the organization is operating at peak efficiency while delivering a consistently high-quality customer experience. As part of his role, he will also lead resource optimization, process improvement and the integration of new technologies to support efficiency and innovation across Service 1st’s offerings.

“Our goal is to create a highly efficient, predictable operation that directly translates into a better experience for our customers,” said Jones. “How we operate internally is what our customers ultimately feel. By improving speed, transparency, and consistency, we can turn every client interaction into an opportunity to build long-term trust and advocacy.”

“Service 1st is entering an exciting phase of growth, and Lucas brings the operational leadership we need to scale effectively,” said Curtis Knuth, CEO of Service 1st. “His experience building high-performing teams and driving efficiency will help us expand our capabilities while continuing to deliver the reliable, high-quality service our clients expect.”

ABOUT SERVICE FIRST INFORMATION SOLUTIONS, LLC:

Service First Information Solutions, LLC (Service 1st) delivers integrated, technology-driven verification tools designed to help mortgage lenders streamline workflows, reduce friction in the loan process and support faster, more informed lending decisions. Service 1st is affiliated with National Credit-reporting System, Inc. (NCS), a long-standing provider of credit information and verification services. To learn more, visit https://www.srv1st.com or call 866-606-5952.

X: @S1NCSTRV #MortgageTechnology #LoanProcessing #VerificationSolutions

###
MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
(not for print or online)
Elizabeth Schroeder
Depth for Service 1st
209-774-6555
elizabeth@depthpr.com

News Source: Service 1st Information Services

Business

PoKeep Launches Major Update to Its Free Pokémon GO IV Calculator

HONG KONG, May 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — PoKeep, a resource for Pokémon GO players, today announced a significant update to its IV Calculator, making it easier for trainers to interpret hidden stats, check combinations against their power-up dust tier, and see league-oriented ranking context for competitive play.

Image caption: PoKeep Launches Major Update to Its Free Pokémon GO IV Calculator.

The calculator remains free to use in the browser, with no account required—supporting players who want precise IV ranges from CP, HP, and stardust inputs, including options for regular, Shadow, and Purified Pokémon where applicable.

WHAT’S NEW

Economy-aligned inputs: Stardust tiers are updated so the tool matches how players actually power up in-game—reducing mismatches between Dust spent and plausible level bands.
IV + PvP in one flow: Alongside classic IV breakdowns, the experience now surfaces Great, Ultra, and Master league-oriented views so trainers can connect individual combinations to the meta they care about.
Clearer results UX: Results are easier to read right after you calculate—trainers are not left with tables stuck in a collapsed preview, including when only a single “perfect” combination is returned.
Consistent experience across regions: The refreshed layout and behavior are rolling out alongside localized sites so Japanese and Traditional Chinese players get the same structure and tooling as the English experience.

HOW TO USE POKEEP POKÉMON GO IV CALCULATOR

Step 1. Choose your Pokémon, enter CP and HP as shown in-game, and select the stardust cost for the last power-up (or the tier that matches your monster’s current progression).

Step 2. Set Regular / Shadow / Purified if applicable, then run the calculation.

Step 3. Read the first row in the IV results as your primary IV combination for that Pokémon with the numbers you entered—this is the combination the calculator treats as the main match to your real stats.

Step 4. Use the additional rows as reference: the list may include other plausible level and IV combinations that also fit your CP/HP and dust band. They help when you want to compare alternatives or understand the full solution set; the top result remains the one to treat as matched to your actual Pokémon under the current inputs.

For PVP, switch to the league tabs after calculating to review league-focused views alongside your IV results.

“Trainers shouldn’t have to fight the tool to get an answer,” PoKeep’s product team said. “This update is about accuracy, transparency, and speed—whether you’re checking a single catch or comparing lanes for PvP.”

The Pokémon Go IV Calculator is available at https://www.pokeep.com/iv-calculator/ with parallel availability on:

ABOUT POKEEP

PoKeep publishes practical guides and tools across Pokémon GO, location-based games, social apps, and privacy-focused software—with an emphasis on usable, privacy-respecting tips and utilities that avoid unnecessary sign-ups where possible.

Official Website: https://www.pokeep.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pokeep.official

X (Twitter): https://x.com/PoKeep_Official

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PoKeep.Software

Discord: https://discord.gg/69G3Zkjj5w

News Source: PoKeep

To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/pokeep-launches-major-update-to-its-free-pokemon-go-iv-calculator/.

This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.

Source: https://www.send2press.com/wire/pokeep-launches-major-update-to-its-free-pokemon-go-iv-calculator/

Business

Musicful Launches v3.0 AI Model with Voice Customization for Reusable Voice Profiles

SHENZHEN, Guangdong, China, May 18, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Musicful AI Music Generator, an AI music generation platform, released its v3.0 model with a new voice customization feature that enables users to create and reuse personalized AI voice profiles across music compositions.

Image caption: Voice customization feature interface allowing users to create AI-generated voice profiles from recorded audio, uploads, or Musicful-generated vocals.

The update builds on Musicful’s existing music generation system by adding customizable AI voice profiles and an upgraded v3.0 model, enabling users to generate, store, and apply personalized vocal styles within a unified workflow. These voice profiles can be reused across different tracks, supporting more flexible and consistent music creation.

MODEL IMPROVEMENTS FOCUS ON STABILITY, STRUCTURE, AND AUDIO QUALITY

According to Musicful, the v3.0 model improves audio quality, structural consistency, and vocal realism, with more stable performance across multiple genres.

The company said the update also improves how the system handles different musical styles, with better accuracy in recognizing and maintaining genre-specific characteristics during generation.

The model is designed to reduce inconsistencies in generated outputs and improve overall coherence in both instrumental and vocal results, helping users achieve more consistent outcomes across different production workflows.

Musicful also said the v3.0 model will be available through its AI Music API services by the end of May, extending access to developers and third-party platforms building on AI-generated music features.

VOICE CUSTOMIZATION ENABLES REUSABLE AI VOICE PROFILES

The key addition in v3.0 is a voice customization system that allows users to create AI-generated voice profiles based on recorded audio, uploaded files, or vocals generated within Musicful.

Once created, these voice profiles are stored in a personal library and can be reused in future projects. Users can apply the same voice profile across multiple compositions, enabling more consistent vocal styles and reducing the need to recreate vocal inputs for each track.

Musicful said the feature is designed to give users more control over vocal output, while ensuring that all voice generation is processed in accordance with user consent and the platform’s privacy policy.

HOW IT WORKS

Musicful’s voice customization feature follows a simple workflow:

Step 1: Record or upload voice input
Users can record audio directly, upload existing voice files, or use vocals generated through Musicful.

Step 2: Generate AI voice profile
The system processes the input audio and creates a personalized voice model based on vocal characteristics such as tone, texture, and style.

Step 3: Save to voice library
The generated voice profile is automatically stored in the user’s personal voice library for future use and management.

Step 4: Apply in music creation
Users can select saved voice profiles and apply them across new compositions, enabling consistent vocal identities across different tracks.

TOWARD AN INTEGRATED AI MUSIC CREATION WORKFLOW

With the introduction of voice customization, Musicful continues to evolve its AI music creation system by integrating both composition and vocal generation into a unified workflow.

Instead of separating instrumental production and vocal creation, users can now generate complete tracks within a single platform, combining both elements into a single process.

The company said the goal of v3.0 is to streamline AI-assisted music production and make it easier for users to create full compositions without requiring traditional music production tools.

ABOUT MUSICFUL

Musicful is an AI-powered music creation platform that enables users to generate and download music using text prompts, genre inputs, and audio-based workflows.

With the release of v3.0, Musicful expands its capabilities into voice-based generation, allowing users to create complete AI-generated music compositions within a single integrated system.

Learn more: https://www.musicful.ai/ and https://www.musicful.ai/api/ai-music/

MEDIA ONLY CONTACT:
Mily huang
Shenzhen iMyfone Technology Co., Ltd.
EMAIL: jiahuih561@gmail.com
PHONE: +86 18979979799

News Source: Musicful

To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/musicful-launches-v3-0-ai-model-with-voice-customization-for-reusable-voice-profiles/.

This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.

Source: https://www.send2press.com/wire/musicful-launches-v3-0-ai-model-with-voice-customization-for-reusable-voice-profiles/

Business

OptiFunder Launches OptiExchange, Connecting Lenders to Trusted Industry Solutions

ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 18, 2026 (SENDPRESS NEWSWIRE) — OptiFunder today announced the launch of OptiExchange, a partner network designed to connect mortgage lenders with a curated ecosystem of technology providers, warehouse and capital partners, and service solutions across mortgage lending.

Image caption: OptiExchange Partner Marketplace – Where Lenders Find Trusted Solutions.

OptiExchange enables seamless connectivity between systems and stakeholders helping lenders reduce operational friction, improve transparency, and scale more efficiently. The network includes partners across key categories such as loan origination systems, warehouse lenders, investors, core banking platforms, fraud solutions, FedWire, document custodians, and eVault services. Today, OptiFunder supports 150+ mortgage originators, 60+ integrations, and over 2,500 automated touchpoints.

“Lenders today need more than individual point solutions; they need a connected ecosystem,” said Brian Abbott, Chief Strategy Officer at OptiFunder. “OptiExchange brings together best-in-class partners in one integrated network, making it easier for lenders to access the tools and relationships they need to operate and grow.”

By joining OptiExchange, partners gain access to a growing network of lenders, making it easier to build new relationships. For warehouse banks specifically, OptiExchange strengthens client relationships by integrating funding workflows, and offers greater exposure to originators active within the network.

“OptiExchange reflects our commitment to building a more open and collaborative ecosystem,” added Abbott. “By bringing together leading solutions and simplifying connectivity, we’re helping our partners and lenders move faster, operate smarter, and deliver better outcomes.”

To learn more about becoming a partner in the OptiExchange, visit: https://www.optifunder.com/optiexchange

ABOUT OPTIFUNDER

OptiFunder is connecting the mortgage warehouse industry through its purpose-built warehouse management platforms: Genesis by OptiFunder for mortgage originators and Greyhound by OptiFunder for warehouse lenders. Together, these platforms digitize and connect the full lifecycle of a warehouse loan – from funding through sale to the capital markets – bringing all stakeholders into a single, transparent ecosystem. By integrating originators, LOS systems, warehouse lenders, investors, core banking platforms, fraud solutions, FedWire, document custodians, and eVault services through secure connections, OptiFunder eliminates manual processes, reduces risk, and creates a more efficient, consistent, and reliable warehouse lending experience for the entire industry.

LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0518-s2p-OptiExchange-300dpi.webp

News Source: OptiFunder

To view the original post, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optifunder-launches-optiexchange-connecting-lenders-to-trusted-industry-solutions/.

This press release was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source, who is solely responsible for its accuracy. www.send2press.com.

Source: https://www.send2press.com/wire/optifunder-launches-optiexchange-connecting-lenders-to-trusted-industry-solutions/

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The Bold News

Police were searching for teens behind San Diego mosque shooting before the bloodshed began

Business

Police were searching for teens behind San Diego mosque shooting before the bloodshed began

Business

What to know about a deadly attack by teen gunmen on a San Diego mosque

Search for suspects began hours before attack

Suspects engaged in ‘generalized hate rhetoric’

Security guard remembered as ‘heroic’

Business

Service 1st names Lucas Jones senior vice president of operations

Business

PoKeep Launches Major Update to Its Free Pokémon GO IV Calculator

Business

Musicful Launches v3.0 AI Model with Voice Customization for Reusable Voice Profiles

Business

OptiFunder Launches OptiExchange, Connecting Lenders to Trusted Industry Solutions

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