Month: February 2026

2026 Kia EV9 named “Best 3-Row Electric Vehicle” for value, range, design and technology

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For the third consecutive year, the Kia EV9 is once again the “Best 3-Row Electric Vehicle” according to the experts at Kelley Blue Book. In making their decision, the editors highlighted EV9’s compelling combination of price, power, range, design and available technology.

“That the EV9 has been named the “Best 3-Row Electric Vehicle” for the third straight year by Kelley Blue Book is an honor and validates that our engineering, design and technology check all the boxes for automotive industry experts,” said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. “But with seating for up to seven passengers, fast charging capability and room for your gear, the EV9 continues to exceed our customers expectations as well.”

The Best Buy Awards is a comprehensive recognition program that spotlights the standout cars, trucks and SUVs Kelley Blue Book recommends to new-car shoppers across a variety of segments. Now in its 12^th year, the program continues to adapt to the dynamic automotive landscape with evolving categories that reflect advances in technology, safety and efficiency, providing buyers with expert advice on the best car for their needs.

“The Kia EV9 is a spacious midsize SUV with more than 300 miles of range. It’s a true family hauler that also happens to be fully electric,” said Brian Moody, executive editor at Kelley Blue Book.

About Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Awards

Now in its 12th year, the Best Buy Awards recognize the top new vehicles across key segments based on a full year of expert testing and comprehensive data analysis—including pricing, transaction trends, 5–Year Cost to Own, consumer reviews, and sales insights.

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several SUVs proudly assembled in America*. 

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert 

* Select trims of the all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

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SOURCE Kia America

Continuation Vehicle Transactions Raise Questions Regarding Process, Pricing and Governance

Replacement of Conflicted Transaction Counsel with Litigation Counsel Does Not Cure Process Failures

Mason Calls for Good Faith Engagement by the Board to Address Minority Investor Rights

NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mason Capital Management LLC (“Mason”), a significant, long-standing investor in Ascent Resources, LLC (“Ascent” or the “Company”), today announced that it has sent a letter to litigation counsel for Ascent’s Board of Managers (the “Board”) reiterating substantial concerns regarding the Board’s conduct to facilitate the sale of interests in Ascent to continuation vehicles managed by The Energy & Minerals Group LP (“EMG”) and First Reserve Corporation (“First Reserve”) despite superior available alternatives.

In the letter, Mason expands upon its concerns regarding the transactions led by EMG and First Reserve, which Mason believes had the effect of suppressing price, deterring other bidders and advantaging affiliated sponsors at the expense of minority stakeholders. The letter notes that the Board has refused to engage altogether on these concerns with stakeholders such as Mason whose contractual and economic rights are directly affected by the transactions. Absent prompt, substantive engagement by the Board focused on maximizing value for all stakeholders, Mason will evaluate all available options to compel the Board to discharge its obligations.

The full text of the letter follows:

January 30, 2026

Andrew J. Rossman
Quinn Emanuel
295 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10016

Re: Ascent Resources, LLC

Andrew,

We acknowledge your letter of January 28th and Quinn Emanuel’s appearance for Ascent.

As an initial matter, please confirm that Kirkland & Ellis is no longer advising the Ascent Board of Managers in any capacity—whether formal or informal—including with respect to strategic alternatives, governance, or transactions involving EMG or affiliated parties.

We have reason to believe that, in the face of imminent fund terminations that would have resulted in distributions to LPs and/or a sale to third parties, First Reserve and EMG acted in concert to retain control. The transaction history speaks for itself. First Reserve recently executed a CV transaction transferring approximately 35% of the Company. EMG has now pursued a second CV transaction of roughly the same magnitude. This sequencing was not incidental.

A contemporaneous acquisition of these interests—aggregating approximately 70%—would have constituted a control transaction, necessitating a control premium. By staggering the transactions to create the appearance that neither party was a seller, EMG and First Reserve retained control while intentionally suppressing the price, avoiding any meaningful market check and forcing minority holders into materially discounted outcomes. Delaware law treats such conduct as a conflicted controller transaction in substance, regardless of form.

Furthermore, the Board’s silence and inaction toward minority investors, together with the active suppression of meaningful available alternatives by controllers, is inconsistent with good-faith conduct.

The motive is evident: serial CV transactions that suppress price, deter other bidders, and advantage an affiliated sponsor constitute self-dealing, requiring action by the Board. The failure by the Board to act, as required by Delaware law, is not exculpable, not insurable, and not protected by the business judgment rule. Managers who knowingly facilitate conflicted control transactions face personal liability for bad faith and loyalty breaches. See In re Nine Systems Corp. S’holders Litig., 2014 WL 4383127 (Del. Ch. Sept. 4, 2014).

That exposure extends to the entire period during which Kirkland & Ellis advised the Board in connection with this scheme. The presence of conflicted counsel does not cleanse the conduct; it compounds it.

Turning to engagement, our January 12th correspondence addressed specific contractual and economic rights held by Mason Capital through CNR.

To be clear:

• Mason holds enforceable contractual and economic interests through CNR that are being directly affected by the Board’s actions and refusal to act.
• The Board’s decision to decline engagement altogether – while selectively engaging with other stakeholders – raises tortious interference and related claims that are not subject to arbitration and would proceed publicly.
• Your letter inexplicably asserts that Ascent is evaluating strategic opportunities “through appropriate channels and processes”. Our client has repeatedly indicated a willingness to engage constructively, including in connection with bona fide strategic alternatives. That willingness has been met with silence.

In fact, the Company has declined to engage with Mason or Kimmeridge, while routing communications exclusively through litigation counsel. Delaware law is clear that good faith requires more than silence. A conscious failure to engage with materially affected investors constitutes bad faith. In re Walt Disney Co. Derivative Litig., 906 A.2d 27, 67 (Del. 2006).

As you know, Quinn Emanuel serves as litigation counsel, not transaction counsel, and does not replace a good-faith strategic or deal process. Board duties are non-delegable and cannot be discharged by litigation advisors. In re Rural Metro Corp. S’holders Litig., 88 A.3d 54, 82–85 (Del. Ch. 2014).

We also reject any suggestion that Mason’s correspondence being made public was improper. Where a board advances conflicted control transactions while refusing engagement, transparency is necessary to protect contractual rights and inform affected stakeholders.

Mason has not waived, and does not waive, any rights or remedies.

Before proceeding further, our client is prepared to allow a short window for a substantive discussion focused narrowly on (i) CNR’s contractual position and (ii) a path forward that avoids unnecessary litigation and public discovery. Absent that, Mason will evaluate all available options.

Please produce a complete and current copy of CNR’s operating agreement by Monday, February 2nd at 5:00 P.M. ET, and advise by close of business on Wednesday, February 4th whether Ascent is prepared to engage on that basis.

Regards,

James C. Woolery, Esq.
Founding Partner
Woolery & Co PLLC

CC. Kenneth M. Garschina
Managing Member
Mason Capital Management LLC

About Mason Capital Management LLC

Mason Capital Management LLC is an absolute return focused investment firm that combines deep fundamental analysis with hard catalysts to drive value creation. Founded in July 2000 by Ken Garschina and Mike Martino, Mason’s strategies range from event-driven investing to corporate carve-outs and control acquisitions. Mason’s control investments include CB&I, the world’s foremost designer and builder of storage facilities, tanks and terminals for energy and industrial markets.

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SOURCE Mason Capital Management

Agencies encouraged to apply by April 3 for funding that strengthens emergency response capabilities

CAMDEN, N.J., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New Jersey American Water today announced the opening of its 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, providing funding for volunteer fire departments and emergency response organizations across its service area.

Now in its 16^th year, the program underscores New Jersey American Water’s ongoing commitment to supporting the firefighters and EMS professionals who protect their communities every day. Eligible organizations include volunteer fire departments, ambulance squads and fire aid units located within the company’s service areas.

“As firefighters and EMS professionals, these men and women are on the front lines daily, and it’s essential that they have the equipment and training necessary to keep our communities safe,” said Edward J. Scanlon, Utility Mechanic for New Jersey American Water, member of the company’s Fire Grant Committee and Deputy Chief of the Strathmere Fire and Rescue. In his role with the company, Scanlon works closely with field operations and infrastructure maintenance, giving him a firsthand understanding of the critical partnership between water utilities and emergency responders. “Their unwavering dedication inspires us to continue strengthening local emergency response capabilities through this grant program.”

Applications are open beginning today and will be accepted through April 10, 2026, allowing departments additional time to align requests with budgeting and equipment needs. A committee composed of New Jersey American Water employees—many of whom also serve as volunteer emergency responders—will review submissions to help ensure funding supports real‑world needs in the field.

Since the program’s launch in 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded 332 grants totaling more than $451,000 to 207 volunteer fire departments and emergency response units.

Grants of up to $2,500 may be used for personal protective gear, communications equipment, first aid supplies, firefighting tools, vehicle maintenance and other operational needs. Reimbursement for specific training courses, including the costs of training manuals and instructional materials, is also eligible.

Organizations can apply online at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community under News & Community > Community Involvement. Departments selected for funding will receive notification in early May, and New Jersey American Water will announce the full list of awardees later in the month.

About New Jersey American Water 
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

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SOURCE American Water

Nonprofit relief society strengthens training, service delivery, and communications to better support the Coast Guard community nationwide.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) has received a $4 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to strengthen its capacity to support Coast Guard members, families, and the broader Coast Guard community as demand for assistance grows and the Service expands.

The grant is one of 18 awarded by Lilly Endowment to military and veterans service organizations nationwide to help build organizational capacity and enhance direct support for service members, veterans, and their families.

CGMA will use this funding to improve the training and effectiveness of its volunteer CGMA representatives and to modernize communications and outreach, ensuring Coast Guard members and leaders know where to turn for help when they need it most.

Improving service delivery and training for CGMA representatives
CGMA’s small operations team works alongside more than 600 volunteer CGMA representatives embedded across hundreds of Coast Guard units worldwide. This grant will help standardize onboarding and ongoing training, reducing variability and strengthening the quality, consistency, and speed of support as case volume continues to grow.

Planned investments include developing standardized training materials; launching a Learning Management System (LMS) for onboarding and refresher training; hosting recurring virtual town halls and an annual training conference; piloting a more secure eligibility verification process; adding surge case-management support; and strengthening program evaluation and impact measurement.

Modernizing CGMA’s communications, marketing, and outreach
The grant also supports the creation of a dedicated communications and marketing function to increase awareness of CGMA’s services, strengthen donor engagement, and ensure Coast Guard members learn about CGMA early in their careers, before financial stress becomes a crisis.

Planned initiatives include hiring a Chief of Communications and Marketing; expanding creative and digital support; producing video content; redesigning CGMA’s website; increasing visibility through sponsorships and community events; and using automation and AI to improve stakeholder communications and donor engagement.

“This investment strengthens CGMA’s ability to serve Coast Guard families with greater consistency, speed, and care—while building the infrastructure we need for the future,” said Brooke Millard, retired Coast Guard commander and CEO of CGMA. “It ensures we remain ready to Help Our Own, at the speed of need, for generations to come.”

About Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) is the official aid society of the U.S. Coast Guard, strengthening financial security across the Coast Guard community. Guided by its vision of eliminating financial worry through shared resources and trusted support, CGMA turns today’s challenges into tomorrow’s stability. In 2024, CGMA fulfilled more than 6,000 requests for financial help and provided over $8.5 million in support.
For more information, visit https://mycgma.org/ or follow @myCGMA on Facebook and Instagram.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion.

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SOURCE Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

PARKER, Colo., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kenneth O’Hanlon—a visionary founder, CEO, and pioneer in marketing technology—has been recognized as a Pinnacle Professional Member of the Inner Circle of Excellence for his groundbreaking contributions to digital innovation. Born in London and a former Royal Marine Commando, Mr. O’Hanlon’s leadership reflects a definitive convergence of elite military discipline, foundational intellectual property, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence. Unlike disconnected platforms, the O’Hanlon Innovation Ecosystem functions as a single sovereign system

The Evolution of a Digital Pioneer

O’Hanlon’s journey began in 2003 with the establishment of his first technology company. Long before the era of smartphones, he was instrumental in developing pre-smartphone mobile marketing through a suite of patented technologies. His innovations allowed visual media sharing on basic phones, introduced the “Sharing Facilitator” (a direct precursor to the modern “share button”), and pioneered Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems.

Further cementing his role as a pioneer, O’Hanlon developed geolocation-based systems and handset recognition technology to track user journeys across multiple touchpoints. These inventions comprised the first comprehensive mobile and internet marketing system, bridging the gap between traditional media and digital engagement.

Next-Generation AI: The Return of a Cultural Icon

In a significant strategic move, Mr. O’Hanlon recently acquired the original Askjeeves.com domain, signaling a return to the intuitive, natural language interaction that made the service a cultural icon. Under the umbrella of O’Hanlon IP, he has launched his next-generation generative AI platforms: Ask-Jeeves.ai, Ask-Genevieve.ai, and AU2.ai.

These platforms leverage O’Hanlon Patents to create and transmit original content with exponentially enhanced performance. This “O’Hanlon Innovation Ecosystem” is anchored by Ask-Jeeves-IP.ai, the “Truth Supervisor” that uses neuro-symbolic reasoning to eliminate AI hallucinations and ensure “technical truth.”

The Five Pillars of Excellence

The 2026-compliant O’Hanlon architecture is governed by the Five Pillars of Excellence, a framework built on Commando values:

Ask-Jeeves.ai (Accessibility): The “Invisible Man” protocol for conversational discovery and proximity-based recognition.

Ask-Genevieve.ai (Strategic): The “Invisible Woman” confidante, prioritizing ethical judgment for high-stakes professional choices.

Ask-Jeeves-RD.ai (Innovation): Identifies technological “white spaces” while mathematically protecting the user’s R&D footprint.

Ask-Jeeves-IP.ai (Protection): The guardian of global innovation, performing hardware-verified handshakes for sensitive data access.

O’Hanlon-Sovereignty (Safety): Governs “Privacy by Choice, Safety by Necessity,” featuring the Summonable Resonant Intelligent Agent (SRIA) for emergency life-safety responses.

A Legacy of Excellence and Service

Mr. O’Hanlon’s innovative drive extends into his personal life. A former Royal Navy Judo Champion and gold medalist in wrestling, he remains a decorated athlete. He is deeply committed to community service as an active member of the Freemasons, the Knights of the Temple, and the Shriners, and he helped establish youth rugby in Colorado.

As a proud father of seven and a great-grandfather, family remains his cornerstone. Through his “Commando-driven” ecosystem, O’Hanlon remains dedicated to creating impactful solutions that protect user’s sovereignty, privacy, and safety, embodying the belief that progress and perseverance go hand in hand.

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

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SOURCE The Inner Circle