Month: January 2026

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Capstone LLC, a leading policy analysis and investment research firm, has released its energy sector preview for 2026, identifying key policy and regulatory developments expected to impact mergers and acquisitions, agriculture, telecommunications infrastructure, and state and local government finances.

Capstone expects the Trump administration to maintain a permissive stance on merger reviews, with most transactions approved unless they pose clear competitive harm. The Republican-led Federal Communications Commission will continue deregulation and welcome consolidation, anticipating a surge in broadcast media and broadband mergers through 2027.

US agriculture faces a challenging year as farmers contend with weak crop prices, elevated input costs, and trade uncertainty. The administration’s push to narrow SNAP eligibility through new work requirements introduces risks for grocers and packaged-food companies, with limited federal relief expected.

State and local budgets will face mounting pressure from underperforming tax revenue and federal funding cuts. States opposed to Trump policies—including California, New York, and Illinois—face the highest risk of having transit, climate, and disaster relief grants withheld. All states will suffer if Congress fails to reauthorize the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by October 2026.

Please access the following links to read Capstone’s outlook on developments for 2026:

Mergers & Acquisitions

Broadcast Media

State and Local Governments

Agriculture

For more information contact Daniel Kruger by phone at (917) 566-8220 or E-mail: news@capstonedc.com

About Capstone
Capstone is a leading global policy analysis and regulatory due diligence firm with locations in Washington, DC, New York, Houston, London, Paris, Mumbai, and Sydney. As developments in Washington, London, Brussels, and other centers of government become more crucial to investment strategies, legislation, regulatory reforms, and new federal oversight are affecting industries in evolving ways. We advise institutional investors and companies on how changes in state, federal, and international policy impact investments. Capstone has established leading coverage of public policy investments affecting financial and business services, energy and environment, healthcare, national security, TMT, and more. Our professionals analyze policy to uncover risks, opportunities and, in the process, unique business and investment strategies for our clients.

Contact: Daniel Kruger, Capstone
Phone: 202-350-4700
Email: news@capstonedc.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/capstone-llc-releases-2026-special-situations-outlook-green-light-for-ma-activity-agricultural-pressures-and-state-budget-constraints-to-shape-cross-sector-dynamics-302675591.html

SOURCE CAPSTONE LLC

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Capstone LLC, a leading policy analysis and investment research firm, has released its energy sector preview for 2026, identifying key policy and regulatory developments expected to impact mergers and acquisitions, agriculture, telecommunications infrastructure, and state and local government finances.

Capstone expects the Trump administration to maintain a permissive stance on merger reviews, with most transactions approved unless they pose clear competitive harm. The Republican-led Federal Communications Commission will continue deregulation and welcome consolidation, anticipating a surge in broadcast media and broadband mergers through 2027.

US agriculture faces a challenging year as farmers contend with weak crop prices, elevated input costs, and trade uncertainty. The administration’s push to narrow SNAP eligibility through new work requirements introduces risks for grocers and packaged-food companies, with limited federal relief expected.

State and local budgets will face mounting pressure from underperforming tax revenue and federal funding cuts. States opposed to Trump policies—including California, New York, and Illinois—face the highest risk of having transit, climate, and disaster relief grants withheld. All states will suffer if Congress fails to reauthorize the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by October 2026.

Please access the following links to read Capstone’s outlook on developments for 2026:

Mergers & Acquisitions

Broadcast Media

State and Local Governments

Agriculture

For more information contact Daniel Kruger by phone at (917) 566-8220 or E-mail: news@capstonedc.com

About Capstone
Capstone is a leading global policy analysis and regulatory due diligence firm with locations in Washington, DC, New York, Houston, London, Paris, Mumbai, and Sydney. As developments in Washington, London, Brussels, and other centers of government become more crucial to investment strategies, legislation, regulatory reforms, and new federal oversight are affecting industries in evolving ways. We advise institutional investors and companies on how changes in state, federal, and international policy impact investments. Capstone has established leading coverage of public policy investments affecting financial and business services, energy and environment, healthcare, national security, TMT, and more. Our professionals analyze policy to uncover risks, opportunities and, in the process, unique business and investment strategies for our clients.

Contact: Daniel Kruger, Capstone
Phone: 202-350-4700
Email: news@capstonedc.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/capstone-llc-releases-2026-special-situations-outlook-green-light-for-ma-activity-agricultural-pressures-and-state-budget-constraints-to-shape-cross-sector-dynamics-302675591.html

SOURCE CAPSTONE LLC

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (etmla.org) honored legendary Songwriter Diane Warren (17-time Oscar nominee, GRAMMY, Emmy, & two-time Golden Globe Award winner), Sonic Fuel Studios (Christopher Lennertz and Tim Wynn), and music educator Ryan Gonzales at the ETM-LA 20th Year Benefit Gala. Hosted at the Skirball Cultural Center, the féte celebrated the non-profit’s milestone 20th year of providing music education in local under-resourced schools reaching over 190,000 students since its inception.

Music Educator/Jazz Artist Anthony White, Galavant co-stars Karen David and Tim Omundson, and Actor/Singer/Producer Sofia Carson were on hand to present awards. The biggest stars of the night included the ETM-LA Student Choir Ensemble who gave a moving rendition of Warren’s Oscar-nominated song “Dear Me” (from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless), which Warren wrote as a note to her younger self. Warren remarked, “I didn’t realize [the students’ performance] was going to really touch me emotionally…it was amazing. If I’d had music teachers like [ETM-LA’s] I wouldn’t have cut school all the time.”

As a surprise announcement, the Champion Award was presented to the Milagro Foundation and Carlos Santana, accepted by Salvador Santana who stated, “If we want a brighter future, it starts with educating and investing in the youth, and what better way to do that than through music.”

Memorial tributes to 2009 Shining Star Artist Gordon Goodwin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band) and champion Songwriter Arthur Hamilton took place, featuring a heartfelt performance of Hamilton’s “Cry Me a River” by ETM-LA Student Alum Krista Sims. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Joyce Hamilton were honored guests of the evening.

Vocal soloists Eden Kontesz, Prez Blackmon, ETM-LA Alumni Bettina Diaz and Sims, past honorees Zanaida Stewart-Robles and Lydia Lee, and ETM-LA Faculty Choir joined Warren’s “I’m Standing With You.” Co-chaired by Sharon Farber & Lola Debney, the gala raised over half a million dollars and embraced the “Rhythm of the Night”.

Education Through Music-Los Angeles’ mission is to provide music in under-resourced schools to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development. Founded in 2006, ETM-LA’s collective work to date has provided 155,000+ music classes and 60,000+ professional development hours for teachers and interns.

Major corporate sponsors included BTW Productions, Realsongs, Sonic Fuel Studios, Walt Disney Imagineering, RBC Wealth Management, and The Gorfaine/Schwartz Agency, Inc.

Media Contact:
press@etmla.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diane-warren-is-relentless-about-music-education-honored-alongside-shining-stars-302675527.html

SOURCE Education Through Music-Los Angeles

Donation helps hospitalized students stay on track academically

PHOENIX, Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — When Justin Ramirez was diagnosed with leukemia at age 13, his days quickly filled with hospital rooms, IV medications and long stretches of treatment at Phoenix Children’s. In the middle of all of it, one thing helped him feel like himself again: school.

To support that sense of normalcy for children like Ramirez, Desert Financial Foundation and Desert Financial Credit Union donated $1.425 million to the 1 Darn Cool School at Phoenix Children’s during a special ceremony Thursday, Jan. 29. The fully accredited K-12 program provides bedside and classroom instruction to any school-aged kids, both in-patient and out-patient receiving care at Phoenix Children’s.

Each year, more than 2,000 children benefit from the program. Eight master’s-level teachers help students stay on track academically while maintaining routine, connection and hope during hospital stays and visits to outpatient facilities.

Ramirez became a 1 Darn Cool School student shortly after his diagnosis in November 2024, spending months in the hospital and continuing treatment through clinic visits multiple times a week in 2025. Teachers worked with him during admissions, infusions and recovery periods to help him complete coursework, earn credits and promote from eighth grade to begin high school in person in January 2026.

“They helped me with my school credits, because to be able to graduate you need enough credits,” Ramirez said. “They would first focus on my schoolwork, and if I needed help, they were always there.”

Ramirez’s experience reflects the mission of 1 Darn Cool School: bringing structure, connection and familiar routines to children whose time is shaped by medical care. During his hospital stays, teachers met with Ramirez in a shared classroom space when he felt well enough or at his bedside when he didn’t.

“It made me feel free because you could go outside your room instead of feeling isolated,” Ramirez said. “They would sit next to you at your bed, and that made me feel like a regular, normal human being.”

Ramirez worked closely with Lydia Smith, a 1 Darn Cool School teacher who helped coordinate with his home school, adapt lessons and advocate for his academic progress while he underwent treatment.

“1 Darn Cool School brings a sense of normalcy into a not-so-normal time for patients,” Smith said. “We are able to be the bridge between school and hospital and ensure that patients are still engaged with their education. That sense of consistency can be a beacon of hope.”

Desert Financial Executive Vice President Ron Amstutz said supporting that bridge is at the heart of the credit union’s long-standing partnership with the program.

“As a credit union founded by teachers, education is part of who we are,” Amstutz said. “This commitment ensures children receiving care at Phoenix Children’s can continue learning, stay connected to their peers and focus on their future, even during the hardest moments of their young lives.”

1 Darn Cool School is fully funded by contributions from Desert Financial Foundation, Desert Financial Credit Union, its members and its employees.

The $1.425 million donation is part of a five-year, $5 million commitment to 1 Darn Cool School announced by Desert Financial in 2024. With this year’s gift, the credit union has reached 70% of its fundraising goal in just two years.

“Desert Financial Credit Union’s generosity continues to open doors of possibility for the children and families we serve,” said Tim Harrison, vice president, corporate partnerships, special events & grant philanthropy at Phoenix Children’s. “Their commitment to 1 Darn Cool School ensures that every patient can stay connected to their education and their future. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and for the heart they bring to our mission year after year.”

1 Darn Cool School supports patients with individualized instruction that helps them remain on grade level so they can more easily reintegrate into their schools when treatment allows.

For Ramirez, that support made it possible to return to school alongside his peers after more than a year of hospital-based learning.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know more people and being social again,” he said. “They helped me get here.”

# # #

About 1 Darn Cool School
The 1 Darn Cool School is a fully accredited K-12 school with eight full-time master’s level teachers. The program provides patients at Phoenix Children’s with a traditional classroom setting or bedside instruction to learn, play and discover while receiving medical treatment.

About Desert Financial Foundation
Founded in 2015, Desert Financial Foundation supports organizations and individuals in Arizona to strengthen financial capability through education and scholarships.

To learn more about how Desert Financial Foundation gives back or donate, visit DesertFinancial.com/Foundation.

About Desert Financial Credit Union
For over 85 years, Desert Financial has been Arizona’s most trusted local credit union with over $9 billion in assets, 500,000+ members and over 50 branches. Membership eligibility is open across Arizona with contactless solutions making it easy to click, call or come in. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2025, members received $16 million in dividends via the Member Giveback Bonus. Desert Financial is the official retail banking partner of Arizona State University® and the official banking partner of the Arizona Cardinals, NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at desertfinancial.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/desert-financial-donates-1-425-million-to-phoenix-childrens-1-darn-cool-school-302675489.html

SOURCE Desert Financial Credit Union

–Packaging And Crating Technologies Partners with Prestigious Canadian Tech Institute to Deliver Specialized Lithium Battery Safety Education–

WATERTOWN, Conn., Jan. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — According to Clean Energy Canada, a nonprofit organization that accelerates the country’s transition to renewable resources, electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming the automotive industry.  In fact, in 2024, nearly 23% of all new vehicle registrations in British Columbia were zero-emission vehicles – the highest rate in North America.  With over 153,000 EVs on the Canadian highways, the demand for skilled EV technicians is also skyrocketing. To support this growing fleet, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is offering cutting-edge training to drive the future of sustainable transportation and is using a Connecticut manufacture’s lithium battery safety solutions in all of its automotive courses.  Specifically, BCIT has adopted Packaging And Crating Technologies‘ (PACT) patented Thermo Shield™ line of fire-suppressant paper wrap into its curriculum to ensure protection for the next generation of skilled EV mechanics.

“The BCIT School of Transportation stands as a prominent leader in training learners and business partners across North America for the demands of the dynamic automotive sector,” said Jim Berladyn, Automotive Technologist Instructor at BCIT.  “With the rise of electric vehicles on the road, comes new methods of service and repair that require advanced safety measures and specialized training.”

Berladyn explains that he first encountered PACT’s innovative Thermo Shield™ products at the 2023 National Battery Show in Novi, Michigan, an annual event that attracts 100,000 engineers, business leaders, and innovative thinkers from the battery and EV tech industries.  “I’ve been to a lot of EV shows throughout my career and was immediately impressed with PACT’s hands-on display and powerful videos of how the products both prevent and extinguish lithium battery fires within seconds,” he adds.

PACT Thermo Shield™ was invented in 2019 as a thermal management system for shipping and storing items containing lithium batteries.  It consists of thin, lightweight, paper material coated with proprietary ink.  When a lithium battery goes into thermal runaway and burns, the special ink releases a moisture barrier that creates a vapor cloud to immediately cool the internal contents of the package, which stops a fire entirely, while limiting oxygen around the package to prevent the battery temperature from escalating to 1,500° Fahrenheit, at which point, lethal gases form.

The material has been tested by several independent 3rd party organizations in America and Canada and has been endorsed by the Commercial Relocation Network, the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials, and the International Association of Movers. It is also a preferred product for the US Department of Defense and has been awarded a special permit from the US Department of Transportation for the shipping of lithium batteries, as well as passed the proposed SAE-G-27 test standard.

Taking the technology one step further, PACT then developed TR Sleeve™, which mitigates thermal runaway propagation between lithium battery cells within electric vehicles, battery packs and renewable energy storage systems.  By individually wrapping each battery cell with the super thin, Thermo Shield™ paper, TR Sleeve™ ensures comprehensive protection without compromising the overall performance of the battery.  Regardless of the cell design, batteries can be tightly pressed or stacked without potting materials or separators, achieving maximum energy density within the battery packs.

“TR Sleeve™ stands at the forefront of safety, sustainability, and efficiency in battery technology,” said Rodger Mort, chief operating officer at Packaging And Crating Technologies.  “Its unique features not only address critical safety concerns but also contribute to a greener and more cost-effective future for EVs, E-buses, E-bikes, E-scooters, and other modern mobility equipment that use lithium batteries.”

Berladyn emphasizes that the TR Sleeve™ will be used as a valuable teaching device in BCIT’s Electric Vehicle Technology and Service course, which prepares Automotive Service Technicians to safely diagnose, service and repair high-voltage electric vehicles systems and develop the knowledge and skills required to confidently work on the majority of EV brands.

He also foresees incorporating PACT’s newest invention- the PACT Lion-X™ Fire Extinguisher, which is still undergoing testing requirements but is targeted to be available by end of the year.  The pre-mixed, water-based solution quenches lithium battery fires upwards of 1,600 degrees within seconds, while eliminating the release of toxic gases into the environment and is the first of its kind on a global scale.

“By partnering with forward-thinking companies like PACT, we are providing our students with valuable knowledge that will prevent accidents and save lives” said Berladyn. 

For more information about PACT Thermo Shield™, visit: www.pactthermoshield.com. For more information on BCIT, visit: www.bcit.ca.

ABOUT PACT^® 
PACT^® is a global leader in manufacturing sustainable, packaging products for the commercial, industrial and military industries. With more than 30 years of experience, the family business was founded by three green packaging professionals and continues to embrace a green future by designing cost-effective, patented, crating solutions like LiftVans and PleatWrap, as well as custom packaging for the aerospace, medical, electronics, tooling, machinery, furniture, fine art and automotive sectors.  The company’s newest innovation is Thermo Shield^™, a sustainable, paper-based packaging material that suppresses and controls lithium-ion battery fires by mitigating thermal runaway.  PACT is a member of the Commercial Relocation Network, the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Materials and the International Association of Movers. The company is also a preferred vendor for the US Department of Defense and has been awarded a special permit from the US Department of Transportation for the shipping of lithium-ion batteries, as well as passed the proposed SAE-G-27 test standard.   For a full list PACT^®‘s sustainable, fire-suppressant packaging solutions, visit www.pactww.com.

ABOUT BCIT
For over 60 years, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has been delivering flexible, relevant, and future-proof education that prepares learners to lead innovation in their workplaces and communities. As one of British Columbia’s largest post-secondary institutes with five campuses, 300+ programs, and over 40,000 students enrolled each year, BCIT connects education, industry, and government in building an agile workforce. The BCIT curriculum is developed through close consultation with industry and delivered by instructors who have hands-on experience in their fields.

BCIT is the only post-secondary in North America that delivers globally recognized accreditation in all modes of transportation: air, sea, road, and rail. More: www.bcit.ca/.

PHOTO:
The British Columbia Institute of Technology is incorporating Packaging And Crating Technologies‘ (PACT) patented Thermo Shield™ line of fire-suppressant paper wrap into its EV technician training curriculum to prevent lithium battery fires and ensure protection for the next generation of mechanics.

Photo: PACT, LLC

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SOURCE Packaging And Crating Technologies