Month: February 2026

BOSTON, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lightstar, a leading American community solar developer, today issued a critical advisory to agricultural landowners regarding immediate changes to federal renewable energy policy. The recently enacted “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA), coupled with new directives from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), signals a significant change for renewable energy projects on agricultural land. Lightstar is urging farmers to take immediate action ahead of their March 31, 2026, “Safe Harbor” deadline to preserve their eligibility for vital financial incentives.

These regulatory shifts fundamentally alter the landscape for family farms looking to diversify revenue streams. The new law and USDA actions specifically target funding mechanisms for renewable energy on prime farmland, effectively removing key business and industry loan guarantees. Consequently, the 30% investment tax credit—a cornerstone for the financial viability of many agricultural solar projects—is now time-sensitive. The March 31, 2026, deadline represents a hard cutoff for start of construction tests needed for these credits. Landowners who fail to secure their project status by this date risk forfeiting substantial passive income opportunities that act as a hedge against market volatility and poor harvests.

Lightstar stands uniquely positioned to guide landowners through this complex transition. As an American company committed to the long-term prosperity of rural communities, Lightstar specializes in agrivoltaics (AgPV)—dual-use solar systems that allow farming and energy generation to coexist on the same land. This approach ensures that agricultural land remains productive while providing farmers with a reliable, long-term source of revenue. Take a look at the success of our Plains Road AgPV project here: @LightstarYouTube

Unlike developers focused solely on short-term gains, Lightstar prioritizes partnerships that protect land legacy and generational wealth through technical expertise and a commitment to developing high-quality, sustainable assets.

Landowners interested in securing their financial future must act immediately to navigate the permitting and development process before the federal window closes. Lightstar remains dedicated to providing transparent, expert consultation to help American farmers bypass these impending restrictions and secure the economic stability they deserve.

About Lightstar

Lightstar is a trailblazing community solar developer and long-term asset owner founded on the principles of advanced design and strategic project development. As a proud American company, Lightstar is a trusted partner for landowners, focusing on community solar and agrivoltaics projects that preserve agricultural land while generating clean energy. Lightstar is committed to building sustainable, high-value assets that support local economies and farming legacies for decades to come. https://www.lightstar.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-federal-legislation-threatens-farm-revenue-lightstar-urges-landowners-to-secure-solar-incentives-before-approaching-deadline-302696111.html

SOURCE Lightstar Renewables, LLC

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Crunch Care, a national childcare staffing and placement company, has released its 2026 Childcare Salary Guide, offering public insight into current wage trends, hiring pressures, and market conditions shaping domestic employment across the United States.

Founded in 2006 and approaching its 20-year anniversary, Crunch Care developed the guide to support transparency for families, caregivers, and organizations navigating today’s childcare landscape. The guide reflects observed market conditions influenced by low unemployment, inflationary pressure, and a continued shift toward legally compliant, professionalized domestic employment.

According to the guide, long-term nanny wages in high-demand markets such as New York City and San Francisco typically range from $33–$45 per hour, while Seattle has emerged as one of the most competitive markets, with rates commonly ranging from $35–$50 per hour. Strong secondary markets are also seeing upward pressure, with San Diego trending $28–$38 per hour and Boston continuing to rise.

The guide also highlights increased demand for hybrid childcare and household support roles, as well as a growing preference for formally educated childcare professionals in high-cost regions.

Demand for back-up and emergency care has continued to grow due to school closures, illness, and workforce disruptions. Back-up care rates generally begin at $45 per hour in most regions. While demand has increased, pricing has not spiked dramatically and has instead risen moderately since the post-pandemic recovery beginning in 2022.

The 2026 Childcare Salary Guide is intended for informational purposes only and focuses primarily on long-term childcare placement, defined as arrangements in which families directly employ a caregiver for six months or longer.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crunch-care-releases-2026-childcare-salary-guide-highlighting-wage-trends-and-the-evolving-domestic-employment-market-302696163.html

SOURCE Crunch Care

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Crunch Care, a national childcare staffing and placement company, has released its 2026 Childcare Salary Guide, offering public insight into current wage trends, hiring pressures, and market conditions shaping domestic employment across the United States.

Founded in 2006 and approaching its 20-year anniversary, Crunch Care developed the guide to support transparency for families, caregivers, and organizations navigating today’s childcare landscape. The guide reflects observed market conditions influenced by low unemployment, inflationary pressure, and a continued shift toward legally compliant, professionalized domestic employment.

According to the guide, long-term nanny wages in high-demand markets such as New York City and San Francisco typically range from $33–$45 per hour, while Seattle has emerged as one of the most competitive markets, with rates commonly ranging from $35–$50 per hour. Strong secondary markets are also seeing upward pressure, with San Diego trending $28–$38 per hour and Boston continuing to rise.

The guide also highlights increased demand for hybrid childcare and household support roles, as well as a growing preference for formally educated childcare professionals in high-cost regions.

Demand for back-up and emergency care has continued to grow due to school closures, illness, and workforce disruptions. Back-up care rates generally begin at $45 per hour in most regions. While demand has increased, pricing has not spiked dramatically and has instead risen moderately since the post-pandemic recovery beginning in 2022.

The 2026 Childcare Salary Guide is intended for informational purposes only and focuses primarily on long-term childcare placement, defined as arrangements in which families directly employ a caregiver for six months or longer.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crunch-care-releases-2026-childcare-salary-guide-highlighting-wage-trends-and-the-evolving-domestic-employment-market-302696163.html

SOURCE Crunch Care

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Crunch Care, a national childcare staffing and placement company, has released its 2026 Childcare Salary Guide, offering public insight into current wage trends, hiring pressures, and market conditions shaping domestic employment across the United States.

Founded in 2006 and approaching its 20-year anniversary, Crunch Care developed the guide to support transparency for families, caregivers, and organizations navigating today’s childcare landscape. The guide reflects observed market conditions influenced by low unemployment, inflationary pressure, and a continued shift toward legally compliant, professionalized domestic employment.

According to the guide, long-term nanny wages in high-demand markets such as New York City and San Francisco typically range from $33–$45 per hour, while Seattle has emerged as one of the most competitive markets, with rates commonly ranging from $35–$50 per hour. Strong secondary markets are also seeing upward pressure, with San Diego trending $28–$38 per hour and Boston continuing to rise.

The guide also highlights increased demand for hybrid childcare and household support roles, as well as a growing preference for formally educated childcare professionals in high-cost regions.

Demand for back-up and emergency care has continued to grow due to school closures, illness, and workforce disruptions. Back-up care rates generally begin at $45 per hour in most regions. While demand has increased, pricing has not spiked dramatically and has instead risen moderately since the post-pandemic recovery beginning in 2022.

The 2026 Childcare Salary Guide is intended for informational purposes only and focuses primarily on long-term childcare placement, defined as arrangements in which families directly employ a caregiver for six months or longer.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crunch-care-releases-2026-childcare-salary-guide-highlighting-wage-trends-and-the-evolving-domestic-employment-market-302696163.html

SOURCE Crunch Care

Secretary Jane Nelson Encourages Voters to Use Official Information for Election Day

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As early voting continues across Texas for the March 3 Primary Election, Secretary of State Jane Nelson today provided an update on voter participation and encouraged Texans to rely on official election information as Election Day approaches. Early voting began Feb. 17 and runs through Friday, Feb. 27. More than a million Texans cast ballots during the first week of early voting.

“Texans are already making their voices heard in this year’s primary election,” Secretary Nelson said. “Whether you have already voted or plan to vote on March 3, reviewing official election information before voting helps you be prepared and have a smooth voting experience.”

Election Day is Tuesday, March 3. On Election Day voting hours statewide are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Voters can confirm their registration status, locate their polling place, and review ID requirements by visiting VoteTexas.gov or by contacting their county elections office. When arriving at a polling place, voters will be asked in which party’s primary they wish to participate.

A photo ID is required when voting in person. Information about acceptable identification and options for voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the approved forms is available at VoteTexas.gov.

Texas law prohibits the use of cell phones or other wireless communication devices inside the voting room. Voters may bring written notes or printed sample ballots for reference. Secretary Nelson emphasized that voters should rely on trusted, official sources rather than informal or incomplete information.

“As Election Day approaches, the best way to prepare is by checking trusted, official sources,” Nelson said. “Visit VoteTexas.gov to find your polling location, review voting requirements, and make sure you’re ready to cast your ballot with confidence.”

For more information about early voting, Election Day voting, or key deadlines, voters are encouraged to visit VoteTexas.gov or call 1-800-252-VOTE for official assistance.

Media Contact: For access to video assets, please contact Alicia Phillips Pierce, Assistant Secretary of State for Communications, at APierce@sos.texas.gov or visit this link.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/early-voting-underway-across-texas-ahead-of-march-3-primary-election-302696132.html

SOURCE Office of the Texas Secretary of State

Secretary Jane Nelson Encourages Voters to Use Official Information for Election Day

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As early voting continues across Texas for the March 3 Primary Election, Secretary of State Jane Nelson today provided an update on voter participation and encouraged Texans to rely on official election information as Election Day approaches. Early voting began Feb. 17 and runs through Friday, Feb. 27. More than a million Texans cast ballots during the first week of early voting.

“Texans are already making their voices heard in this year’s primary election,” Secretary Nelson said. “Whether you have already voted or plan to vote on March 3, reviewing official election information before voting helps you be prepared and have a smooth voting experience.”

Election Day is Tuesday, March 3. On Election Day voting hours statewide are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Voters can confirm their registration status, locate their polling place, and review ID requirements by visiting VoteTexas.gov or by contacting their county elections office. When arriving at a polling place, voters will be asked in which party’s primary they wish to participate.

A photo ID is required when voting in person. Information about acceptable identification and options for voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the approved forms is available at VoteTexas.gov.

Texas law prohibits the use of cell phones or other wireless communication devices inside the voting room. Voters may bring written notes or printed sample ballots for reference. Secretary Nelson emphasized that voters should rely on trusted, official sources rather than informal or incomplete information.

“As Election Day approaches, the best way to prepare is by checking trusted, official sources,” Nelson said. “Visit VoteTexas.gov to find your polling location, review voting requirements, and make sure you’re ready to cast your ballot with confidence.”

For more information about early voting, Election Day voting, or key deadlines, voters are encouraged to visit VoteTexas.gov or call 1-800-252-VOTE for official assistance.

Media Contact: For access to video assets, please contact Alicia Phillips Pierce, Assistant Secretary of State for Communications, at APierce@sos.texas.gov or visit this link.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/early-voting-underway-across-texas-ahead-of-march-3-primary-election-302696132.html

SOURCE Office of the Texas Secretary of State

Secretary Jane Nelson Encourages Voters to Use Official Information for Election Day

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As early voting continues across Texas for the March 3 Primary Election, Secretary of State Jane Nelson today provided an update on voter participation and encouraged Texans to rely on official election information as Election Day approaches. Early voting began Feb. 17 and runs through Friday, Feb. 27. More than a million Texans cast ballots during the first week of early voting.

“Texans are already making their voices heard in this year’s primary election,” Secretary Nelson said. “Whether you have already voted or plan to vote on March 3, reviewing official election information before voting helps you be prepared and have a smooth voting experience.”

Election Day is Tuesday, March 3. On Election Day voting hours statewide are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Voters can confirm their registration status, locate their polling place, and review ID requirements by visiting VoteTexas.gov or by contacting their county elections office. When arriving at a polling place, voters will be asked in which party’s primary they wish to participate.

A photo ID is required when voting in person. Information about acceptable identification and options for voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the approved forms is available at VoteTexas.gov.

Texas law prohibits the use of cell phones or other wireless communication devices inside the voting room. Voters may bring written notes or printed sample ballots for reference. Secretary Nelson emphasized that voters should rely on trusted, official sources rather than informal or incomplete information.

“As Election Day approaches, the best way to prepare is by checking trusted, official sources,” Nelson said. “Visit VoteTexas.gov to find your polling location, review voting requirements, and make sure you’re ready to cast your ballot with confidence.”

For more information about early voting, Election Day voting, or key deadlines, voters are encouraged to visit VoteTexas.gov or call 1-800-252-VOTE for official assistance.

Media Contact: For access to video assets, please contact Alicia Phillips Pierce, Assistant Secretary of State for Communications, at APierce@sos.texas.gov or visit this link.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/early-voting-underway-across-texas-ahead-of-march-3-primary-election-302696132.html

SOURCE Office of the Texas Secretary of State