Markey Researchers Awarded $6.8 Million To Help Others Replicate Kentucky’s Lung Cancer Screening Success

Originally published on University of Kentucky Research News

A groundbreaking lung cancer screening project co-led by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center and the University of Colorado (CU) Cancer Center is expanding its reach, thanks to a $6.8 million grant from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, an independent charitable organization.

QUILS™ (Quality Implementation of Lung Cancer Screening), led by UK Markey Cancer Center researchers Jennifer Redmond Knight, Dr.P.H., and Timothy Mullett, M.D., and Jamie Studts, Ph.D., from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU-AMC), has helped to transform Kentucky’s approach to lung cancer screening over the past decade.

Despite grappling with the nation’s highest lung cancer incidence and mortality rates, Kentucky now has the second-highest rate of lung cancer screening in the U.S. The turnaround is due in part to QUILS™ System, which has helped Kentucky’s health care providers improve their lung cancer screening processes.

Building on this success, the four-year grant is supporting the most recent effort led by UK and CU to replicate and adapt the program in Mississippi and Nevada — states chosen due to their high lung cancer burden, low screening rates, opportunities to address health disparities as well as coalition capacity and readiness.

“Our experience in Kentucky has taught us that improving lung cancer screening rates requires a collaborative, quality-focused approach,” said Knight, co-principal investigator of Kentucky LEADS Collaborative and an assistant professor in the UK College of Public Health. “This funding will allow us to apply what we’ve learned in Kentucky to help create targeted solutions for Mississippi and Nevada, potentially setting a new standard for lung cancer screening nationwide.”

The QUILS™ System helps screening centers optimize their services by evaluating factors such as patient eligibility, tobacco cessation efforts and shared decision-making processes. The program emerged from the prevention and early detection component of the Kentucky LEADS (Lung cancer, Education, Awareness, Detection and Survivorship) Collaborative, which was launched in 2014 to improve Kentucky’s approach to lung cancer through education, survivorship care and screening practices.

The LEADS Collaborative framework has helped boost Kentucky’s screening rates to twice the national average. As a result, late-stage lung cancer diagnoses have decreased by 10% in the past decade. The shift is expected to reduce mortality rates over time, as patients diagnosed at earlier stages have significantly better survival prospects.

“The message is simple: lung cancer screening saves lives. With modern treatments, many early-stage lung cancers are not only treatable but potentially curable,” said Mullett, a thoracic surgeon and a co-principal investigator of the Kentucky LEADS Collaborative. “This project will help to spread this message of hope in high-risk communities and could save thousands of lives.”

The team is establishing partnerships with key organizations in Mississippi and Nevada to implement the QUILS™ System and build a program based on the successful LEADS Collaborative framework. The effort will also encourage coalition building among diverse partners throughout each state and engage each state’s primary care infrastructure to accelerate screening — adapting the Kentucky model to meet each state’s unique needs.

UK will serve as the program management hub, in addition to leading the coalition building and QUILS™ System Implementation. The clinician engagement component and the population health impact evaluation will be led by CU. UK and CU will work alongside the lead organizations in Mississippi and Nevada: The University of Mississippi Medical Center and Nevada Cancer Coalition.

“The teams in Mississippi and Nevada have developed an engaged group of collaborators that are ready to work with our team to optimize delivery and outcomes related to lung cancer screening — the most underutilized tool to transform cancer outcomes nationally,” said Studts, a cancer prevention and control researcher, professor and co-principal investigator. “Together, we have an incredible opportunity to transform the lung cancer screening and outcomes landscape similarly to how that landscape is changing in Kentucky.”

The long-term goal is to create a sustainable, replicable model for improving lung cancer screening rates and outcomes nationwide. If successful, this model could potentially be expanded to other states with similar needs.

“We’ve seen firsthand how impactful the Kentucky LEADS Collaborative has been in increasing lung cancer screenings and helping save lives,” said Catharine Grimes, president of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation. “Now, we are providing a deeper commitment to the successful work in Kentucky and an expansion into communities in Mississippi and Nevada, where the need is just as great, and we’re proud to support this important effort.”

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Teva 2024 Healthy Future Report: Health System Strengthening and Capacity Building

At Teva, we are all in for better health. Increasing access to quality medicines is fundamental to improving the health of patients and the success of our business. 

In order to achieve lasting impact, we have expanded a number of our access programs to go beyond the product by incorporating Health System Strengthening and Capacity Building efforts.

Capacity building is critical for ensuring sustainable and resilient healthcare systems, directly contributing to our mission of expanding access to care. To increase our positive impact beyond medicines, our health system strengthening and capacity-building initiatives expand healthcare professionals’ skill sets, increase treatment accessibility such as diagnosis and screening, improve community members’ health literacy and awareness and overall enhance local capacity to support the health needs of underserved populations. We take a holistic approach to health equity to address other social determinants of health, including financial, geographic, socioeconomic and cultural factors. We aim to increase the cumulative number of beneficiaries of our initiatives by 200% by 2026 (vs. cumulative 2022–2023 baseline). Many of our initiatives complement our Access to Medicines programs (see page 19 in the Healthy Future Report).

Our main initiatives in 2024 to promote health system strengthening and capacity-building were:

  • Malawi, Uganda, Botswana, Tanzania and Rwanda – Pediatric oncology specialists are few and far between in Sub-Saharan Africa. We expanded our support for Global HOPE in 2024 through efforts specifically focused on strengthening local capacity, including training for nurses and medical officers, as well as nurse training scholarships. Beneficiaries in 2024 numbered 1,965 – including HCPs trained and resulting patients diagnosed. We are building sustainable healthcare capacity, ensuring that children receive timely and effective treatment.
  • Ghana – A lack of breast care centers and trained healthcare practitioners, along with low awareness and high stigma, contribute to high breast cancer mortality rates in Ghana. Through our partnership with Breast Care International, we are addressing healthcare challenges that hinder early diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that patients receive the care they need. We are raising awareness on breast cancer and the importance of early diagnosis, increasing local capacity to increase breast cancer screening for women aged 18–60, and improving referral pathways. Beneficiaries in 2024 totaled 10,752, including patients and HCPs in rural Ghana.
  • Chile – We organized an educational event focusing on mental health, the risks of self-medication and the importance of adhering to prescribed therapies, attracting 100 participants including healthcare professionals and community members. We conducted community training sessions in Cochamó and Río Puelo, collectively impacting around 5,100 residents.
  • USA – From November 2023 to October 2024, our grant funding helped 34,916 beneficiaries (14,480 directly and 20,436 indirectly) in clinics supported by our Community Routes program. Over two years of funding, we have trained 2,800 community members, held 131 community events, expanded access to mental health services for 63,659 beneficiaries and conducted 24,617 patient screenings. Together with our partners Direct Relief and NAFC, in 2024 we published a report in collaboration with the grantees of our behavioral health program in local USA clinics and communities. Lessons Learned from Community Routes: Access to Mental Health Care highlights experiences and understandings relevant for broader underserved, bi-lingual/bi-cultural populations and patients with low health literacy. The report is a useful resource for social impact program policymakers, funders and safety-net providers.

Support the Soul in Israel
Following the brutal attacks of October 7, 2023 trauma took hold of the lives of Israelis, affecting citizens with post-traumatic stress disorder and related issues such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and addictions.

Israel needs more professional trauma therapists as the shortage hampers mental health support and recovery. Therapists are also experiencing burnout, as well as dealing with intense personal challenges.

Our Support The Soul program provides support via: training professional teams, creating safe spaces, innovative tools, and research. It is strengthening the infrastructure of resilience centers to provide safe spaces for therapy, increasing treatment facilities and making mental health services more accessible.

In collaboration with the Israel Trauma Coalition, our training courses in Israel in 2024 included 32 hours of instruction for 430 practitioners that benefited over 2,580 individuals in need.

Support the Soul will continue through 2025, aiming to train and supervise 750 professional therapists, support two resilience centers (benefiting 6,000 people directly), equip 2,000 first responders with resilience tools, and support 18 technology companies through a southern-based acceleration program.

To learn more, read the full 2024 Healthy Future Report.
Read the full 2024 Healthy Future Report Disclosures. 

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WK Kellogg Co Joins Gleaners Community Food Bank and Kroger To Help Fight Childhood Hunger in Southeastern Michigan

At WK Kellogg Co, we are committed to supporting kids and our communities — starting with making sure every child has access to the food they need to grow and be healthy, especially during the summer months when school meals are no longer available. That’s why we are proud to team up with Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and Kroger for the annual Children’s Hospital of Michigan Cereal Drive.

For the past 15 years, the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Professional Nurse Council at the Detroit Medical Center has led this important community initiative in partnership with Gleaners, helping ensure children have a consistent daily meal while school is out. Since its start in 2010, the drive has provided more than 14.5 million servings of cereal to families in need. To recognize this milestone year, the goal for 2025 is to raise an ambitious 1.5 million servings.

WK Kellogg Co is proud to be part of this community-driven effort. Over the past three years, we have donated nearly 70,000 pounds of cereal, and we are excited to keep the momentum going.

“At WK Kellogg Co, our Feeding Happiness sustainable business strategy is about more than just food — it’s about helping children and families lead healthier, happier lives,” said Susan Davison, Head of Communications and Philanthropy at WK Kellogg Co. “We’re proud to stand with Gleaners, Kroger and the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in this long-standing effort to fight hunger and support communities across Michigan.”

This week, WK Kellogg Co participated in the Cereal Drive Fill a Bus event at the Kroger in Royal Oak, Michigan, where Tony the Tiger® greeted community members as they donated cereal in an effort to fill the bus — a spirited and visible symbol of community generosity.

“Once school is out for summer, kids in metro Detroit facing food insecurity might not know where their next meal is coming from,” said Angela Halverson, Director of Community Giving at Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. “The goal of the Cereal Drive is to ensure that kids have access to a consistent daily meal over the summer break, and Gleaners certainly couldn’t do it alone! We are so grateful for the tremendous partnerships with the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, the Kroger Company of Michigan, WK Kellogg Co and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, among others. The Cereal Drive really does mean hope for so many kids and families over the summer.”

All cereal collected will be donated to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, who will distribute it to children and families across the region throughout the summer.

To learn more about how you can participate, visit https://www.childrensdmc.org/about/cereal-drive.

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Insurers Retreat as 2025 Wildfire Risk Reaches Dangerous Levels

New report reveals 150,000+ uninsured households in California’s highest-risk areas as spring fire conditions hit 10-year records

MONTREAL, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Deep Sky, the Canadian carbon removal project developer, has published new research revealing a home insurance crisis unfolding across North America as wildfire risk reaches dangerous levels in 2025. The comprehensive analysis shows insurance companies are abandoning homeowners in the highest-risk areas, with over 150,000 households now uninsured in California’s most fire-prone regions alone.

Deep Sky Research’s latest report, “Wildfires 2025,” analyzes insurance market data from California, Oregon, Texas, and Washington alongside advanced fire weather modeling to reveal how climate change is reshaping both wildfire risk and financial markets. The research builds on Deep Sky’s previous wildfire analysis from 2024, which found that extreme fire risk frequency had grown 20-fold across the United States.

Insurance Markets as Climate Indicators

The research reveals insurance companies are using sophisticated catastrophe modeling to predict wildfire risk, leading to dramatic market retreats from high-risk areas. The Los Angeles fires in January demonstrated the financial stakes, with insurance losses potentially reaching $44.5 billion across major carriers.

“Insurance markets are leading indicators of how financial systems will respond to climate change,” said Max Dugan-Knight, Deep Sky Climate Data Scientist. “When insurers can no longer price risk effectively, they exit the market entirely. This creates a cascade effect that will ultimately impact property values, mortgage availability, and regional economic stability.”

The analysis shows that California’s FAIR plan and similar government programs in other states are becoming overextended as private insurers retreat. These “insurers of last resort” provide subsidized coverage but face mounting financial pressure as more homeowners are forced into their programs.

Dangerous Spring Conditions

Deep Sky Research’s Fire Weather Index (FWI) analysis reveals that 2025 spring conditions are abnormally dangerous across large portions of North America. The research calculates FWI anomalies by comparing current conditions to 30-year historical averages, showing widespread areas experiencing fire weather conditions not seen in over a decade.

In Canada, early-season fires have already forced thousands of evacuations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, with both provinces declaring states of emergency. The data indicates that Alberta and British Columbia face even higher fire risk as the peak season approaches.

Building on Previous Research

This analysis extends Deep Sky Research’s ongoing work on climate risk prediction. The company’s 2024 wildfire report found that extreme fire weather conditions that previously occurred once every 100 years now happen every five years on average – a 20-fold increase in frequency.

“Our 2024 analysis showed how dramatically fire frequency was increasing,” Dugan-Knight noted. “This year’s research demonstrates that the financial and human costs of these changes are already materializing. Insurance markets are telling us what climate scientists have been warning about – the risks are accelerating faster than our systems can adapt.”

Market Implications

The research suggests that the insurance crisis foreshadows broader financial market responses to climate risk. As private insurers retreat and government programs become overextended, property values in high-risk areas face potential collapse. Banks are unlikely to approve mortgages without insurance coverage, creating a cycle that will soon strain property markets.

“A vicious cycle is emerging” the report states. “Climate change causes worse fire conditions, which cause larger wildfires, which create massive carbon emissions, contributing to further climate change…Insurance markets may be the first to show the effects of the climate crisis but the disruption won’t stop there.”

The full report, including detailed methodology and risk maps, is available at deepskyclimate.com/research.

Key Findings:

Insurance Market Crisis:

  • One in five homes in California’s most extreme fire risk areas has lost coverage since 2019
  • Home insurance premiums have skyrocketed 42% in the highest-risk areas since 2009
  • Over 30,000 households in extreme fire risk parts of California have had policies non-renewed since 2018
  • Growth in government-subsidized FAIR plans: California (121%), Texas (54%), Oregon (39%) since 2020

Record-Breaking Fire Conditions:

  • Spring fire risk in the US Southwest and Northern Mexico has reached a 10-year record
  • Northwestern Alberta is facing a 15-year record for spring fire risk
  • Severe drought across Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Southern California is driving unprecedented conditions
  • Over 200 active fires are burning across Canada, with half classified as “out of control”

Climate Impact Acceleration:

  • “Hydroclimate whiplash” – extreme swings between wet and dry years – is worsening fire conditions
  • The relationship between precipitation extremes and fire risk is creating dangerous fuel loads

About Deep Sky

Montreal-based Deep Sky is the world’s first tech-agnostic carbon removal project developer aiming to remove gigatons of carbon from the atmosphere and permanently store it underground. As a project developer, Deep Sky brings together the most promising direct air and ocean carbon capture companies under one roof to bring the largest supply of high-quality carbon credits to the market, commercializing and catalyzing carbon removal and storage solutions like never before. With $130M in funding, Deep Sky is backed by world class investors including Investissement Québec, Brightspark Ventures, Whitecap Venture Partners, OMERS Ventures, BDC Climate Fund, BMO, National Bank of Canada, Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, and more. For more information, visit deepskyclimate.com

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SOURCE Deep Sky

Duke Energy Supports North Carolina Emergency Response Organizations With $500,000 in Storm Preparedness Funds

  • HERO grants will fund emergency preparedness equipment and first responder training to support local efforts
  • Funding will benefit 20 vital disaster response organizations, including local government agencies and nonprofits

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 6, 2025 /3BL/ – As North Carolina communities prepare for storm season, Duke Energy today announced new support for preparedness initiatives led by local emergency response organizations across the state.

What’s happening: Twenty government agencies and nonprofits are receiving Duke Energy Foundation grants of $25,000 to fund severe weather preparedness measures. These Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grants will help prepare community resources, emergency responders and residents for major storms.

Why it matters: Natural disasters have caused catastrophic impacts across North Carolina in recent years, spanning from the coast to the western mountain region. With another heightened storm season predicted, collaborative response planning will play a critical role in supporting communities. Duke Energy Foundation is empowering local organizations that know their communities best with the resources they need to be successful.

By the numbers: Duke Energy Foundation has supported more than 100 local emergency response organizations during the past five years with more than $1.8 million in grant funding to advance storm preparedness in North Carolina.

What they’re saying:

  • Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president: “Last storm season underscored the resilience of our North Carolina communities. Proactive collaboration with local emergency response organizations is necessary to ensure that communities are prepared to maintain that resilience. We are committed to helping equip our growing state with the tools necessary to stay safe during the upcoming storm season.”
     
  • Tommy Batson, Pender County Emergency Management Director: “Pender County, along with many coastal communities/counties, is one disaster from losing the communications we use every day. Tropical Storm Helene hit western North Carolina in the fall of 2024 and the everyday radio communication, cell service and internet were lost. Pender County, along with many other agencies from across the country, had never seen this. This grant from Duke Energy will help us bridge this gap during the next event.” 
     
  • Tony Ray, Town of Beaufort Fire Chief: “The support from the Duke Energy Foundation is a vital investment in the safety of our community. This grant allows us to provide essential training and equipment for our firefighters, ensuring we’re better prepared to respond to emergencies and protect the lives and property of Beaufort’s residents, especially during natural disasters.”
     
  • Don Mail, Wake County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair: “Emergency preparedness starts at the individual level. When all residents have access to the resources that will keep them safe during a crisis or natural disaster, our whole community becomes more resilient. We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the Duke Energy Foundation for supporting this important work by investing in equity and safety in Wake County.”

Grant recipients

  • Anson County
     
  • Town of Beaufort
     
  • Belews Creek Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department
     
  • Buncombe County
     
  • Cherokee County Emergency Management
     
  • Gastonia Police Foundation
     
  • County of Granville
     
  • Henderson County
     
  • Jones County Emergency Management
     
  • Lee County Emergency Management
     
  • McDowell County
     
  • Pender County Emergency Management
     
  • Piedmont Triad Regional Development Corporation
     
  • Town of Pittsboro
     
  • City of Raleigh
     
  • Rockingham County
     
  • Rowan County Rescue Squad
     
  • Town of St. Pauls
     
  • Wake County Government
     
  • Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Garrett Poorman
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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Haier’s Strategic Partnership with Roland-Garros Enters Third Year, Driving Shared Values of Excellence

PARIS, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the 2025 Roland-Garros (French Open) enters its final stretch, the iconic clay courts of Paris are once again alive with the intensity and elegance that define the Grand Slam. At the heart of this prestigious tournament, Haier celebrates the third year of its strategic partnership with Roland-Garros, first launched in 2023.

Haier’s Strategic Partnership with Roland-Garros Enters Third Year, Driving Shared Values of Excellence

This enduring collaboration reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and resilience, values that resonate both on the court and across Haier’s global vision for premium living.

Forging Strength and Grace: A Shared Journey of Excellence

While every Grand Slam tournament tests a player’s determination and skill, Roland-Garros stands apart for its demand for finesse, resilience, and endurance on clay. Similarly, Haier’s journey in building a global brand began in 1990 and it took 25 years of unwavering commitment to achieve financial self-balance in overseas markets, reflecting the endurance and long-term vision that define both sport and business.

Beyond endurance, Roland-Garros stands as a beacon of global prestige and refined standards, while Haier has cultivated a reputation as a leading high-end brand in Europe. Together, they embody a powerful synergy of perseverance and sophistication on the global stage.

Where Heritage Meets Innovation: Haier’s Premium Presence in France

As global momentum toward intelligent and sustainable innovation accelerates, the 2025 AI Action Summit in Paris exemplifies a shared international ambition for inclusive, energy-efficient, and human-centered technology. In this context, Haier continues to lead the way.

In France, Haier’s Langjing X11 washing machine exemplified its commitment, delivering 60% energy savings compared to Europe’s rigorous A-class standards—a critical advantage amid rising energy concerns. With premium pricing (reflected in a price index of 275 in Poland and 375 in the UK), the Langjing X11 reinforces Haier’s innovative, high-end positioning. In 2024, Haier achieved 47% brand awareness in France, highlighting its growing influence among discerning consumers.

Strategic Expansion of Haier in Europe: Deep Roots and Localized Excellence

The success of Haier in France is the result of a long-term commitment to deep localization and strategic expansion across Europe. Since entering Germany in the 1990s, Haier has built a strong and steady presence across the continent, driven by a consistent focus on innovation and user needs.

At the core of the European growth of Haier is the 3-in-1 strategy (localized R&D, manufacturing, and marketing), enabling the brand to respond quickly and effectively to local demand. For instance, in the European market where air conditioner penetration remains below 5%, Haier introduced a smart air solution with simplified installation to meet local needs with precision and efficiency. The spirit of persistence and dedication to innovation, grounded in a deep understanding of local markets, has propelled the steady rise of Haier across multiple European countries.

Haier continues to lead in Europe. This success story reflects the ongoing dedication of Haier to innovation and localization, anchored by the 3-in-1 strategy, which continues to drive its strong market presence and recognition, with brand awareness reaching approximately 30% across Europe in 2024.

Haier ESG Commitment: Empowering a Greener, More Inclusive Future

The partnership between Haier and Roland-Garros goes beyond the court and represents a shared commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, advancing social responsibility, and creating sustainable value for communities across the globe.

At Roland-Garros, Haier brought its ESG values to life through an immersive pop-up experience, showcasing its latest advancements in sustainable technology. Demonstrating a firm commitment to nurturing the next generation, Haier partnered with Open Stade Français to launch the “Haier Fans Cup”, offering young winners the unique opportunity to attend the tournament and meet former WTA Number one champion Ana Ivanovic.

Further reflecting its people-centric and innovation-driven approach, Haier France was awarded the Gold certification for Great Onboarding from Workelo, demonstrating its dedication to building a future-ready workplace.

From homes to communities, from sustainable technologies to human-centered governance, Haier is setting a new standard for global brands.

 

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SOURCE Haier Group

How AirCarbon Is Turning Greenhouse Gases Into Ocean-Friendly Plastic Alternatives

As World Oceans Day approaches on June 8, 2025, we are reminded of the urgent need to protect our blue planet. This year’s theme, “Sustainable Fishing Means More,” highlights the growing demand for innovation to preserve marine ecosystems and fight climate change. Among the most promising breakthroughs in ocean-inspired sustainability is AirCarbon®, a regenerative, carbon-negative material created by Newlight Technologies.

The Science: From Microbes to Materials

AirCarbon® was born from an extraordinary scientific discovery. While researching oil spills, scientists observed oceanic microorganisms consuming methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and naturally producing Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) within their cells. This polymer mimics the characteristics of polypropylene, a common plastic, but with a critical difference: PHB is biodegradable and renewable.

Newlight Technologies scaled this biological process into a commercially viable innovation. Using air and greenhouse gases dissolved in water, they produce AirCarbon®, a plastic alternative now used in cutlery, straws, eyewear, leather substitutes, and more. With over 50 patents and more than a decade of R&D, AirCarbon® offers an elegant, market-driven solution to reduce plastic waste and climate impact.

AirCarbon® isn’t just a promising innovation—it’s already making waves across industries. Companies like Nike and H&M have partnered with Newlight Technologies to incorporate AirCarbon® into sustainable fashion collections, while Shake Shack, Target, and Ben & Jerry’s have piloted its use in foodware to reduce single-use plastic waste. In hospitality, Marriott International has adopted AirCarbon® utensils in select locations, and in the automotive space, Sumitomo Chemical is exploring its potential for carbon-negative materials. These partnerships demonstrate AirCarbon’s versatility and growing role in helping brands meet their environmental commitments.

Scaling Sustainability

In recent developments, Newlight announced plans for a $1.1 billion manufacturing facility in Manitoba, Canada, further expanding their capacity to meet the demand for sustainable materials. This follows a $125 million equity round led by GenZero, reinforcing the company’s path toward industrial-scale impact.

As governments and corporations seek actionable ways to meet ESG targets, AirCarbon® stands out as a proven alternative—both technologically and environmentally sound.

Featured on the RENEWables Podcast

To explore the deeper implications of this breakthrough, Mark Herrema, Co-Founder & CEO of Newlight Technologies, joined the RENEWables podcast. In Episode #36, Herrema shares the origin story of AirCarbon®, the challenges of scaling biological innovation, and how circular economy principles can guide the future of materials.

“AirCarbon is not just about replacing plastic—it’s about capturing carbon, restoring balance, and rethinking how we interact with the natural world.” — Mark Herrema

Don’t miss this powerful conversation.
Listen to the full episode of RENEWables featuring Mark Herrema here: RENEWables #36: AirCarbon®
Share the episode with your network to help elevate solutions that matter this World Oceans Day.

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Delta Collaborates with the Jane Goodall Institute and NMMST to Expand Coral Restoration Education

TAIPEI, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Delta Electronics Foundation announced a new collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute and the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (NMMST) to promote coral restoration education. Using the science picture book ‘Saving Our Coral Reefs‘, published by the Delta Electronics Foundation, as the core teaching material, the program will be introduced into elementary schools across Taiwan as part of their lesson plan structure. Dr. Jane Goodall, the world-renowned ecologist and conservationist, visited Chaojing Coral Conservation Center in Keelung — a joint effort between the Delta Foundation and NMMST. Together with Delta’s founder, Mr. Bruce Cheng, she planted her first batch of corals in Taiwan at the facility, showcasing their commitment to marine conservation.

Dr. Jane Goodall remarked, ”All ecosystems are intricately connected, from land to sea, from corals to humanity. I’m pleased to see the enterprise in Taiwan actively promoting ocean conservation. Visiting the Chaojing Coral Conservation Center today gave me a fuller understanding of Delta’s transnational coral restoration efforts. I hope this collaboration, through the coral picture book and our Roots & Shoots program, will help more people learn about corals and marine conservation.”

Mr. Bruce Cheng, Delta’s founder and Chairman of the Delta Electronics Foundation, said, “Delta has long been committed to energy conservation, decarbonization, and environmental sustainability. In recent years, we have also focused on biodiversity conservation, using Delta’s technological strengths to support researchers in coral restoration efforts. Our project has successfully preserved over 40 species of Taiwanese corals and aims to restore 10,000 coral fragments by this summer. We are honored to work with the Jane Goodall Institute and NMMST to use the ‘Saving Our Coral Reefs‘ picture book as a platform to promote awareness and inspire children and the public to care more about Taiwan’s oceans—from the perspective of the science behind coral restoration.”

At the end of 2024, Dr. Jane Goodall was invited to attend the launch event of a coral culture facility as the base for coral restoration at the St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory (SJINML), jointly established by Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks) and the Delta Foundation. This year, the partnership between the Jane Goodall Institute and Delta has further deepened, with the goal of promoting coral and marine ecological awareness through the picture book and Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Program. 

Saving Our Coral Reefs‘ blends real-life photos with illustrations and scientific commentary from experts involved in Delta’s coral restoration project. The book provides an approachable and comprehensive way to build readers’ knowledge on coral reefs, their ecological roles, and the existential threats they face due to global warming. Through this collaboration, the book will be integrated into NMMST’s coral conservation curriculum and the Jane Goodall Institute’s school outreach programs, raising public awareness and encouraging broader participation in marine conservation. Looking forward to the future, the three parties plan to continue exploring new models that integrate technology, education, and nature conservation to advance the sustainable development of marine ecosystems.

About Delta

Delta, founded in 1971, and listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (code:2308), is a global leader in switching power supplies and thermal management products with a thriving portfolio of IoT-based smart energy-saving systems and solutions in the fields of industrial automation, building automation, telecom power, data center infrastructure, EV charging, renewable energy, energy storage and display, to nurture the development of smart manufacturing and sustainable cities. As a world-class corporate citizen guided by its mission statement, “To provide innovative, clean and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,” Delta leverages its core competence in high-efficiency power electronics and its ESG-embedded business model to address key environmental issues, such as climate change. Delta serves customers through its sales offices, R&D centers and manufacturing facilities spread over close to 200 locations across 5 continents.

Throughout its history, Delta has received various global awards and recognition for its business achievements, innovative technologies and dedication to ESG. Since 2011, Delta has been listed on the Dow Jones Best-in-Class World Index (formerly the DJSI World Index of Dow Jones Sustainability™ Indices) for 14 consecutive years. Delta has also won CDP with double A List for 4 times for its substantial contribution to climate change and water security issues and has been named Supplier Engagement Leader for its continuous development of a sustainable value chain for 7 consecutive years.

For detailed information about Delta, please visit: www.deltaww.com

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SOURCE Delta Electronics

SolarBank Renews At-The-Market Equity Program

This news release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Company’s prospectus supplement dated June 5, 2025 to its short form base shelf prospectus dated May 7, 2025

TORONTO, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – SolarBank Corporation (Nasdaq: SUUN) (Cboe CA: SUNN) (FSE: GY2) (“SolarBank or the Company“) announces that following the filing of its new short form base shelf prospectus, it is proceeding with a renewal of its at-the-market equity program (the “ATM Program“). The Company is required to renew the ATM Program due to the expiry of the Company’s 2023 short form base shelf prospectus. The Company has entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Distribution ‎Agreement“) with H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC (“Wainwright”), Research Capital Corporation (“RCC“), Research Capital USA Inc. (together with Wainwright and RCC, the “Agents“) to renew the ATM Program. There can be no assurance that the Company will issue and sell any common shares under the ATM Program. The timing of any sales and the number of shares sold, if any, will depend on a variety of factors to be determined by the Company.

Under the Distribution Agreement, the Company may issue common shares of the Company having an aggregate offering price of up to US$15,000,000 (the “Offered Shares“) under ‎the ATM Program. The Offered Shares will be issued by the Company to the public from time to time, ‎through the Agents, at the Company’s discretion. The Offered Shares sold under the ATM Program, if ‎any, will be sold at the prevailing market price at the time of sale. Since the Offered Shares will be distributed at trading prices prevailing at the time of the sale, prices may vary between purchasers and during the period of distribution. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from sales of Offered Shares under the ATM Program, if any, to advance the Company’s business objectives and for general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, funding ongoing operations or working capital requirements, repaying indebtedness outstanding from time to time, discretionary capital programs and potential future acquisitions.

Sales of Offered Shares, if any, will be made through the Agents in transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-‎market distributions” as defined in National Instrument 44-102 – Shelf Distributions and an “at-the-market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, on the Cboe Canada Inc. (“Cboe“) and the Nasdaq Stock Market, or any other applicable “marketplace” for the common shares in Canada. The Company is not obligated to make any sales of Offered Shares under the ‎ Distribution Agreement.

The Company will pay the Agents a commission of up to 3.0% of the gross offering proceeds from each ‎sale of Offered Shares and has agreed to provide the Agents with customary indemnification and ‎contribution rights. The Company will also reimburse the Agents for certain specified expenses in ‎connection with the entering into and performance of the Distribution Agreement. ‎

The ATM Program is being made in Canada pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated June 5, 2025 (the “Prospectus Supplement“) to the Company’s final short form base shelf prospectus dated May 7, 2025‎ (the “Base Prospectus“), and in the United States pursuant to a prospectus supplement dated June 5, 2025 (the “U.S. Prospectus Supplement“) to the Company’s final base shelf prospectus contained in the Company’s effective registration statement on Form F-10 (File No. 333-287070) (the “Registration Statement“) filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC“). Prospective investors should read the Base Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement and other ‎documents the Company has filed with the SEC (some of which are incorporated by reference into ‎the Base Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement) for more complete information about the ‎Company and the ATM Program, including the risks associated with investing in the Company. ‎

Copies of the Prospectus Supplement, Base Prospectus and Distribution Agreement are available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and copies of the U.S. Prospectus Supplement and the Registration Statement are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Agents will send copies of the relevant documents to investors upon request by contacting RCC by mail at Research Capital Corporation, 1075 West Georgia Street, Suite 1920, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3C9, by email at schiu@researchcapital.com or by telephone at (778) 373-4088.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor ‎will there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be ‎unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

ABOUT SOLARBANK CORPORATION

SolarBank Corporation is an independent renewable and clean energy project developer and owner focusing on distributed and community solar projects in Canada and the USA. The Company develops solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects that sell electricity to utilities, commercial, industrial, municipal and residential off-takers. The Company maximizes returns via a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple leading North America markets including projects with utilities, host off-takers, community solar, and virtual net metering projects. The Company has a potential development pipeline of over one gigawatt and has developed renewable and clean energy projects with a combined capacity of over 100 megawatts built. To learn more about SolarBank, please visit www.solarbankcorp.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) that relate to the Company’s current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as “will likely result”, “are expected to”, “expects”, “will continue”, “is anticipated”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimated”, “intends”, “plans”, “forecast”, “projection”, “strategy”, “objective” and “outlook”) are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. In particular and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements including statements with respect to the Offered Shares sold under the ATM ‎Program; the use of proceeds from ‎any such sale of Offered Shares; the use by the Company of the ATM Program; future development, ‎production, cash flow and other anticipated or possible future developments of the Company’s business‎ as well as those listed under “Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Base Prospectus, and other public filings of the Company. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.

Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate, and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In making the forward looking statements included in this news release, the Company has made various material assumptions, including but not limited to: obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; that regulatory requirements will be maintained; general business and economic conditions; the Company’s ability to successfully execute its plans and intentions; the availability of financing on reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to attract and retain skilled staff; market competition; the products and services offered by the Company’s competitors; that the Company’s current good relationships with its service providers and other third parties will be maintained; and government subsidies and funding for renewable energy will continue as currently contemplated. Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and the Company cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to the Company’s expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including those listed under “Forward- Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recently completed Annual Information Form, and other public filings of the Company, which include: the Company may be adversely affected by volatile solar power market and industry conditions; the execution of the Company’s growth strategy depends upon the continued availability of third-party financing arrangements; the Company’s future success depends partly on its ability to expand the pipeline of its energy business in several key markets; governments may revise, reduce or eliminate incentives and policy support schemes for solar and battery storage power; general global economic conditions may have an adverse impact on our operating performance and results of operations; the Company’s project development and construction activities may not be successful; developing and operating solar projects exposes the Company to various risks; the Company faces a number of risks involving Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) and project-level financing arrangements; any changes to the laws, regulations and policies that the Company is subject to may present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to the purchase and use of solar power; the markets in which the Company competes are highly competitive and evolving quickly; an anti-circumvention investigation could adversely affect the Company by potentially raising the prices of key supplies for the construction of solar power projects; foreign exchange rate fluctuations; a change in the Company’s effective tax rate can have a significant adverse impact on its business; seasonal variations in demand linked to construction cycles and weather conditions may influence the Company’s results of operations; the Company may be unable to generate sufficient cash flows or have access to external financing; the Company may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future; the Company is subject to risks from supply chain issues; risks related to inflation and tariffs; unexpected warranty expenses that may not be adequately covered by the Company’s insurance policies; if the Company is unable to attract and retain key personnel, it may not be able to compete effectively in the renewable energy market; there are a limited number of purchasers of utility-scale quantities of electricity; compliance with environmental laws and regulations can be expensive; corporate responsibility may adversely impose additional costs; the future impact of any global pandemic on the Company is unknown at this time; the Company has limited insurance coverage; the Company will be reliant on information technology systems and may be subject to damaging cyberattacks; the Company may become subject to litigation; there is no guarantee on how the Company will use its available funds; the Company will continue to sell securities for cash to fund operations, capital expansion, mergers and acquisitions that will dilute the current shareholders; and future dilution as a result of financings.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them, or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

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SOURCE SolarBank Corporation

From Local to Landmark: Scientologists Dedicate the Historical Site of the First Dianetics Foundation

ELIZABETH, N.J., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The location where Dianetics author and Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard established the first Foundation 75 years ago reopens to the world, restored and dedicated as a historical Landmark Site.

The first Dianetics Foundation, established by L. Ron Hubbard 75 years ago, reopens as a Landmark Site in Elizabeth, NJ.

Nestled in a quiet part of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is an unassuming, three-story building—a structure that once unquestionably became the nexus of a global awakening.

Just 15 miles from New York City, this rejuvenated Colonial-Revival setting at 42 Aberdeen Road now joins the distinguished ranks of L. Ron Hubbard (LRH) Landmark Sites around the world.

During a spring afternoon celebration attended by Scientologists, community leaders and restoration specialists, guests werent just honoring a historic moment. In fact, they were able to take the very first steps inside the exact rooms where Mr. Hubbard had personally taught the first Dianetics auditors, delivered the first Dianetics lectures and set in motion the first Dianetics Research Foundation.

To be here, at this historic site on L. Ron Hubbards path of discovery, is an honor and in a class of its own,” one guest said.

Now completely restored to its 1950 appearance, 42 Aberdeen Road is more than a building, it is the precise cornerstone where the world first turned a page and a revolution of the human mind all began.

With the May 9, 1950 publication of Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, what unfolded within these walls was nothing short of explosive—as the book began its unprecedented run of 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Almost overnight, crowds from across America began arriving without invitation, eager to meet and learn in person from the author of what was rapidly becoming the most popular book ever written on the human mind.

This site of universal influence now stands as it once did—complete with original furniture, vintage crystal doorknobs and refinished wood floors with mahogany Celtic pattern inlays. All have been restored to their glorious past, including the desk where Mr. Hubbard once wrote and the fireplace before which students gathered.

The Remington typewriter and SoundScriber dictation recorders Mr. Hubbard worked with are also on display—even his prized Ford Deluxe Woody” Wagon is parked outside.

Officiating the ceremony was the Church of Scientology Preservationist who oversaw the meticulous restoration. This site became the epicenter of a movement—one that grew from Dianetics, the first workable science of the mind, into the Scientology religion, with Churches and Missions spanning the globe,” he said. And for the first time, beginning today, you will be able to walk inside and stand right where it all began!”

Fittingly, and just days before the 75th Anniversary of the publication of Dianetics, dignitaries honoring the sites Grand Opening spoke of the impact of L. Ron Hubbard, both locally and globally.

The days first guest speaker, Ms. Jennifer Costa, President and CEO of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the opening as a milestone for the city. Here in Elizabeth, we pride ourselves on a theme that we think says everything: It all starts here.And that is so very true. Elizabeth is a city of many firsts—from the first capital of the state of New Jersey to the home of our first governor and even the first submarine. Well, today we stand here in front of this breathtaking site, another first that claims Elizabeth with pride as the very place where the first Dianetics Foundation was born. We cant wait to welcome all of you to this landmark that belongs to all of us—because this is where your history and our history meet—right here at 42 Aberdeen Road.”

Mr. Thomas B. Connolly, who served as historical architect on the project, emphasized the importance of preserving the sites original character. Working with your team to restore this landmark was a dream. Your commitment to quality and authenticity was evident from day one and your goal was clear: to return the site to exactly how it was when Mr. Hubbard was here. As just a single example, when we peeled back the white aluminum siding that had been on the façade for decades, we uncovered a century-old surprise: the original cedar shingles, right where they had been since 1910.” Mr. Connolly added, And thats only one of the countless details that brought this heritage site back to life, transforming it into what you see today: the gem of the block!”

Dr. Apostle Lemmew Samuel, Founder of an Evangelical Assembly in New York City, has spent a lifetime in religious service—and spoke to the spiritual power of the Landmark Site. Just like those first readers who drove here back in 1950 to learn from Mr. L. Ron Hubbard himself, I now find myself on the same doorstep, drawn by the same truth from the pages of Dianetics,” Dr. Samuel said. Im just getting started with Dianetics. But I know I have in my hands a way to help the people I serve—couples in crisis, youth searching for direction, anyone trying to hold their life together. I can help them find their way out of the darkness of the mind and into the light!”

Dr. Monica Sanchez, a United Nations Cultural Ambassador and Humanitarian, spoke not just of the legacy of this storied location, but of the enduring imprint L. Ron Hubbard left on Mankind. Sometimes we think we know the way, until life gives you a detour—one without signs. But Mr. Hubbards work says: Heres another road. Heres the best road. Thats why I call L. Ron Hubbard a GPS for humanity,” she said to the crowd. If I had been here on Aberdeen Road back in 1950, I would have told him: Take me as your student!I would have felt very privileged just to learn by his side. But, thanks to everything he left behind and your incredible work to preserve it, we can all be his students.”

Captain Steve Nagiewicz, Executive Director Emeritus of the world-famous Explorers Club—where Mr. Hubbard was an exalted member and carried three official expedition flags—praised LRHs work as nothing short of bold discovery. Mr. Hubbard explored the oceans, he crossed continents, he set a course for distant stars. But his final frontier was the most uncharted territory of all: conducting a journey inside the human mind,” he said. Exploring the unknown, living on the edge, going where no one has gone before … it requires a rock-solid state of mind, leaving no margin for error.” Mr. Nagiewicz added, Its my hope that this day and this site will always remind us to push farther, reach deeper, keep exploring. And as future explorers venture to the stars, no doubt L. Ron Hubbard will be with them in spirit!”

Historic 42 Aberdeen Road has a sister in Bay Head, New Jersey, 50 miles away, where LRH wrote Dianetics. Mr. Hubbard worked in both locations during the same time period, in Bay Head for part of the year and Elizabeth for the other. The Bay Head property was previously opened as an L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site in 2011—Mr. Hubbards centennial year.

All told, there are seven such Landmark Sites now open on three continents around the world, including L. Ron Hubbards heritage site at the base of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona—known as the Birthplace of Scientology; the original Founding Church that Mr. Hubbard established in Washington, DC; the original Hubbard Communications Office on Fitzroy Street in London, England; his Linksfield Ridge estate overlooking Johannesburg, South Africa; and his headquarters at Saint Hill in East Grinstead, England.

Each Landmark Site offers a literal and visual history of the work and advances Mr. Hubbard achieved during the time he was at that particular location. Each also features a room devoted to the wider story of Mr. Hubbards life of global exploration and research—including his revolutionary work here in Elizabeth, New Jersey. In full, the sites mark Mr. Hubbards progressive steps to the founding of Dianetics and Scientology.

Two more Landmark Sites are set to open by this summer—one in the US and another in Southern Africa—carrying forward the legacy of places like 42 Aberdeen Road, a global tribute that echoes for generations to come.

 

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SOURCE Church of Scientology International