Month: March 2026

NOVATO, Calif., March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brayton Purcell LLP has released Episode 12 of its podcast, From Dust to Verdict, delivering a comprehensive examination of the February 19, 2026 Cal/OSHA Standards Board meeting—an event that may determine whether California will prohibit fabrication and installation of countertops made from crystalline silica artificial stone, a material composed of at least 90% silica with nanosized particles and approximately 10% additional toxic metals, resins and dyes and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The episode discusses the life-or-death implications for the state’s countertop fabrication workforce amid the accelerating epidemic of silicosis tied to artificial stone.

Physicians and Public Health Experts Warn of a Worsening Epidemic

Host James Nevin, partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, walks listeners through testimony presented by occupational medicine physicians, public health leaders, and Cal/OSHA’s own scientific staff. Their message was unequivocal: artificial stone is uniquely toxic, cannot be fabricated safely by human beings even with advanced controls, and has driven an unprecedented surge of accelerated silicosis in California.

Dr. Sheiphali Gandhi, director of the California Silica Support and Research Network at UCSF, described diagnosing young workers—often fathers in their twenties and thirties—with incurable, progressive lung disease requiring lung transplantation. She warned that current and proposed enforcement-based approaches are failing and risk pushing fabrication work further underground, making the epidemic harder to trace and control.

Dr. Kimberly Brayton, an attorney and physician with Brayton Purcell LLP, emphasized that silicosis cases are occurring across hundreds of fabrication shops, including those using wet methods and following Cal/OSHA protocols. Her testimony underscored that disease is occurring despite compliance, not because of its absence.

Dr. Robert Blink, speaking for more than 600 occupational health physicians with WOEMA, explained that fabricating crystalline silica artificial stone would require exposure reductions of 1,000‑ to 3,000‑fold—levels achievable only with “space‑suit‑level” protection, making safe fabrication by humans impossible.

Cal/OSHA Scientific Staff Confirm Artificial Stone’s Unique Toxicity

Cal/OSHA medical and scientific personnel reinforced that crystalline silica artificial stone is fundamentally different from natural stone. While natural stone fabrication historically produced no silicosis cases, artificial stone has produced near-daily cases, driven by nanosized silica particles and added chemical toxins.

Even highly sophisticated shops investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment were unable to keep silica levels below lethal limits, confirming that compliance alone cannot prevent disease.

Foreign Slab Manufacturers Oppose a Ban and Promote Criminal Enforcement

Foreign slab manufacturers and Cambria representatives argue that noncompliance—not the product—is the problem. They urged criminal prosecution of shop owners instead of prohibiting artificial stone. Episode 12 details how these proposals ignore medical science, misrepresent the cause of the epidemic, and risk shifting blame onto already‑vulnerable workers.

A Defining Moment for California

The Cal/OSHA Standards Board has not yet voted on WOEMA’s petition. A formal recommendation memo is expected at an upcoming meeting. Episode 12 lays out the central choice before the Board: adopt a prohibition supported by medical science and public health experts, or allow continued fabrication of a uniquely hazardous product while workers face a fatal, entirely preventable disease.

About Brayton Purcell LLP

Brayton Purcell LLP is a nationally recognized law firm with decades of experience advocating on behalf of individuals and families harmed by toxic exposures, including those impacted by artificial stone. The firm remains committed to transparency, public education, and accountability within industries linked to hazardous materials.

Media contact:
Nolan Lowry
nlowry@braytonlaw.com
415-399-3107

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brayton-purcell-llp-releases-new-podcast-episode-detailing-critical-testimony-at-february-19-calosha-meeting-on-artificial-stone-ban-302724013.html

SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

NOVATO, Calif., March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brayton Purcell LLP has released Episode 12 of its podcast, From Dust to Verdict, delivering a comprehensive examination of the February 19, 2026 Cal/OSHA Standards Board meeting—an event that may determine whether California will prohibit fabrication and installation of countertops made from crystalline silica artificial stone, a material composed of at least 90% silica with nanosized particles and approximately 10% additional toxic metals, resins and dyes and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The episode discusses the life-or-death implications for the state’s countertop fabrication workforce amid the accelerating epidemic of silicosis tied to artificial stone.

Physicians and Public Health Experts Warn of a Worsening Epidemic

Host James Nevin, partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, walks listeners through testimony presented by occupational medicine physicians, public health leaders, and Cal/OSHA’s own scientific staff. Their message was unequivocal: artificial stone is uniquely toxic, cannot be fabricated safely by human beings even with advanced controls, and has driven an unprecedented surge of accelerated silicosis in California.

Dr. Sheiphali Gandhi, director of the California Silica Support and Research Network at UCSF, described diagnosing young workers—often fathers in their twenties and thirties—with incurable, progressive lung disease requiring lung transplantation. She warned that current and proposed enforcement-based approaches are failing and risk pushing fabrication work further underground, making the epidemic harder to trace and control.

Dr. Kimberly Brayton, an attorney and physician with Brayton Purcell LLP, emphasized that silicosis cases are occurring across hundreds of fabrication shops, including those using wet methods and following Cal/OSHA protocols. Her testimony underscored that disease is occurring despite compliance, not because of its absence.

Dr. Robert Blink, speaking for more than 600 occupational health physicians with WOEMA, explained that fabricating crystalline silica artificial stone would require exposure reductions of 1,000‑ to 3,000‑fold—levels achievable only with “space‑suit‑level” protection, making safe fabrication by humans impossible.

Cal/OSHA Scientific Staff Confirm Artificial Stone’s Unique Toxicity

Cal/OSHA medical and scientific personnel reinforced that crystalline silica artificial stone is fundamentally different from natural stone. While natural stone fabrication historically produced no silicosis cases, artificial stone has produced near-daily cases, driven by nanosized silica particles and added chemical toxins.

Even highly sophisticated shops investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment were unable to keep silica levels below lethal limits, confirming that compliance alone cannot prevent disease.

Foreign Slab Manufacturers Oppose a Ban and Promote Criminal Enforcement

Foreign slab manufacturers and Cambria representatives argue that noncompliance—not the product—is the problem. They urged criminal prosecution of shop owners instead of prohibiting artificial stone. Episode 12 details how these proposals ignore medical science, misrepresent the cause of the epidemic, and risk shifting blame onto already‑vulnerable workers.

A Defining Moment for California

The Cal/OSHA Standards Board has not yet voted on WOEMA’s petition. A formal recommendation memo is expected at an upcoming meeting. Episode 12 lays out the central choice before the Board: adopt a prohibition supported by medical science and public health experts, or allow continued fabrication of a uniquely hazardous product while workers face a fatal, entirely preventable disease.

About Brayton Purcell LLP

Brayton Purcell LLP is a nationally recognized law firm with decades of experience advocating on behalf of individuals and families harmed by toxic exposures, including those impacted by artificial stone. The firm remains committed to transparency, public education, and accountability within industries linked to hazardous materials.

Media contact:
Nolan Lowry
nlowry@braytonlaw.com
415-399-3107

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brayton-purcell-llp-releases-new-podcast-episode-detailing-critical-testimony-at-february-19-calosha-meeting-on-artificial-stone-ban-302724013.html

SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

NOVATO, Calif., March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brayton Purcell LLP has released Episode 12 of its podcast, From Dust to Verdict, delivering a comprehensive examination of the February 19, 2026 Cal/OSHA Standards Board meeting—an event that may determine whether California will prohibit fabrication and installation of countertops made from crystalline silica artificial stone, a material composed of at least 90% silica with nanosized particles and approximately 10% additional toxic metals, resins and dyes and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The episode discusses the life-or-death implications for the state’s countertop fabrication workforce amid the accelerating epidemic of silicosis tied to artificial stone.

Physicians and Public Health Experts Warn of a Worsening Epidemic

Host James Nevin, partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, walks listeners through testimony presented by occupational medicine physicians, public health leaders, and Cal/OSHA’s own scientific staff. Their message was unequivocal: artificial stone is uniquely toxic, cannot be fabricated safely by human beings even with advanced controls, and has driven an unprecedented surge of accelerated silicosis in California.

Dr. Sheiphali Gandhi, director of the California Silica Support and Research Network at UCSF, described diagnosing young workers—often fathers in their twenties and thirties—with incurable, progressive lung disease requiring lung transplantation. She warned that current and proposed enforcement-based approaches are failing and risk pushing fabrication work further underground, making the epidemic harder to trace and control.

Dr. Kimberly Brayton, an attorney and physician with Brayton Purcell LLP, emphasized that silicosis cases are occurring across hundreds of fabrication shops, including those using wet methods and following Cal/OSHA protocols. Her testimony underscored that disease is occurring despite compliance, not because of its absence.

Dr. Robert Blink, speaking for more than 600 occupational health physicians with WOEMA, explained that fabricating crystalline silica artificial stone would require exposure reductions of 1,000‑ to 3,000‑fold—levels achievable only with “space‑suit‑level” protection, making safe fabrication by humans impossible.

Cal/OSHA Scientific Staff Confirm Artificial Stone’s Unique Toxicity

Cal/OSHA medical and scientific personnel reinforced that crystalline silica artificial stone is fundamentally different from natural stone. While natural stone fabrication historically produced no silicosis cases, artificial stone has produced near-daily cases, driven by nanosized silica particles and added chemical toxins.

Even highly sophisticated shops investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment were unable to keep silica levels below lethal limits, confirming that compliance alone cannot prevent disease.

Foreign Slab Manufacturers Oppose a Ban and Promote Criminal Enforcement

Foreign slab manufacturers and Cambria representatives argue that noncompliance—not the product—is the problem. They urged criminal prosecution of shop owners instead of prohibiting artificial stone. Episode 12 details how these proposals ignore medical science, misrepresent the cause of the epidemic, and risk shifting blame onto already‑vulnerable workers.

A Defining Moment for California

The Cal/OSHA Standards Board has not yet voted on WOEMA’s petition. A formal recommendation memo is expected at an upcoming meeting. Episode 12 lays out the central choice before the Board: adopt a prohibition supported by medical science and public health experts, or allow continued fabrication of a uniquely hazardous product while workers face a fatal, entirely preventable disease.

About Brayton Purcell LLP

Brayton Purcell LLP is a nationally recognized law firm with decades of experience advocating on behalf of individuals and families harmed by toxic exposures, including those impacted by artificial stone. The firm remains committed to transparency, public education, and accountability within industries linked to hazardous materials.

Media contact:
Nolan Lowry
nlowry@braytonlaw.com
415-399-3107

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brayton-purcell-llp-releases-new-podcast-episode-detailing-critical-testimony-at-february-19-calosha-meeting-on-artificial-stone-ban-302724013.html

SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

TORONTO, March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) today released its 2025 Annual Report, 2025 Sustainability Report, and 2025 Public Accountability Statement. Together, these reports highlight Sun Life’s progress delivering on our Purpose through a balanced and diversified strategy, integrated sustainability performance and positive impacts in the communities we serve.

“2025 was a year of meaningful progress for Sun Life marked by resilient performance and disciplined execution of our balanced and diversified strategy,” said Kevin Strain, President and CEO of Sun Life. “As we look ahead, our clear Purpose – to help Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives – and together with our global scale, depth and reach, positions us well to achieve our ambition of being the world’s best asset management and insurance company.”

Annual Report
Sun Life’s 2025 Annual Report highlights a year of disciplined execution, resilient performance and continued progress fulfilling our Medium Term Objectives as part of our long-term strategy. It reflects how our diversified business and focus on Clients continued to generate sustainable value through a period of global economic transformation.

Key highlights from 2025 include:

• Asia’s growth engine: Asia delivered standout performance, with double-digit year-over-year growth in Hong Kong and Indonesia and strong momentum across all our markets in the region.
• Leadership in core markets: maintaining robust performance in Canada as a leader in health, wealth and protection with strong distribution, while our U.S. business focuses on winning new business, automation, and enhancing how we deliver care and coverage for members.
• Operating as a digital company: In 2025, we hit several milestones as we continue to implement AI, guided by trust, privacy and responsible innovation, including deploying over 50+ strategic GenAI tools to streamline work and enhance Client experiences.
• Scaling our Asset Management platform: To scale our platform with $1.6 trillion AUM – one of the world’s largest – we formed Sun Life Asset Management to enable stronger collaboration across MFS, SLC Management, our stake in Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management, our pension risk transfer business, and the broader Company, in turn unlocking growth and delivering value for Clients.

This year’s Annual Report features cover artwork by Inuit-Canadian artist Abraham Anghik Ruben. His sculpture, Ellesmere, speaks to the beauty of the land, cooperation and mutual respect among people from different cultures, and the passing on of knowledge from generation to generation – themes that reflect Sun Life’s long-term view and commitment to adapting to local cultures, guided by local knowledge. Mr. Ruben’s Ellesmere sculpture on our cover is just one of his many pieces currently on display at WAG-Qaumajuq.

Sustainability Report
Sun Life’s 2025 Sustainability Report details our Brighter Futures blueprint – our vision and roadmap for navigating a more complex world. Launched in October 2025, it guides how we’ll build impact-focused solutions that help to close health gaps, promote lasting financial security, and deliver innovation where it matters most. The Sustainability Report also highlights Sun Life’s approach and progress across key topics including climate resilience, sustainable investing, Indigenous relations and responsible AI. It reflects how Sun Life is building long-term value for Clients, employees, advisors, communities and shareholders, while managing environmental and social impacts.

In January 2026, Sun Life’s sustainability performance was recognized by Corporate Knights for the 17^th consecutive year as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World, achieving the highest ranking in the insurance industry.

Public Accountability Statement
Sun Life also today released its 2025 Public Accountability Statement, sharing how the Company is making ongoing positive contributions to the economies and communities we serve around the world, reflecting our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and helping people and communities thrive. In 2025, Sun Life furthered our global efforts in the fight against diabetes by donating an additional $7 million for diabetes-focused programs, surpassing $64.9 million committed to the cause globally since 2012.

About Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1.60 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars

To contact Sun Life media relations, please email Media.Relations@sunlife.com

To contact Sun Life investor relations, please email Investor_Relations@sunlife.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sun-life-releases-2025-annual-reports-302724005.html

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc. – Financial News

STATE COLLEGE, Pa., March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The article examines timing strategies that can influence retirement income for residents in State College and Centre County.

When should residents begin collecting Social Security benefits to support their retirement plans? HelloNation answers this question in an article that explains the key factors affecting Social Security decisions for individuals living in State College and Centre County.

The HelloNation article features insights from Financial Advisor Ash Toumayants of Strong Tower Associates. The article explains that deciding when to claim Social Security is an important part of retirement planning, as the timing of benefits can influence monthly income, long term retirement income, and overall financial stability.

Age is one of the most important considerations discussed in the article. Individuals can begin collecting Social Security at age 62, but doing so reduces the monthly benefit amount because the system assumes a longer payout period. Waiting until full retirement age allows retirees to receive full benefits, while delaying Social Security until age 70 increases payments through delayed retirement credits.

For many residents in State College and Centre County, evaluating health and life expectancy also plays a role in retirement planning. The article explains that individuals in good health who expect a longer retirement may benefit from delaying Social Security to increase their retirement income over time. On the other hand, those facing potential health concerns may decide to claim benefits earlier to provide financial stability sooner.

Work plans and income expectations also influence the timing of Social Security benefits. The article notes that individuals who continue working while receiving Social Security before full retirement age may see benefits temporarily reduced due to the earnings test. Once full retirement age is reached, these reductions no longer apply. Understanding this rule helps residents in State College make informed retirement planning decisions.

Spousal benefits are another key factor mentioned in the article. Married couples may qualify for spousal benefits based on a partner’s work record. Coordinating Social Security and spousal benefits can significantly affect total retirement income for households in Centre County, especially when spouses retire at different times.

Tax consequences are another consideration when determining the best time to begin receiving Social Security. The article explains that Social Security benefits may be subject to federal taxes depending on the individual’s overall retirement income. Income from pensions, investments, or employment may influence tax consequences and change the overall financial impact of claiming benefits at different ages.

Inflation adjustments are also part of the Social Security system. The article notes that cost of living adjustments are applied annually to help protect retirement income against rising expenses. Delaying Social Security increases the base benefit amount, which can result in larger future adjustments and greater financial protection for retirees in State College and Centre County.

Financial modeling tools can help residents compare different scenarios. The article explains that retirement planning calculators can illustrate how Social Security timing, spousal benefits, tax consequences, and expected longevity may affect retirement income over time. These projections help individuals understand how different claiming strategies might affect their long term finances.

The article concludes that deciding when to claim Social Security in State College or Centre County requires evaluating multiple factors including age, health, employment plans, spousal benefits, and tax consequences. Careful retirement planning and thoughtful analysis of these variables can help residents make informed decisions that support their long term retirement income goals.

When Should I Take Social Security If I Live in State College or Centre County? features insights from Ash Toumayants, Financial Advisor of State College, PA, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellonation-discusses-when-to-claim-social-security-featuring-financial-advisor-ash-toumayants-302723933.html

SOURCE HelloNation

SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — High school students across the Bay Area are invited to apply for the 2026 Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Academy, a paid summer program designed to introduce young people to careers in public service and regional leadership.

This four-week academy offers students a chance to explore how decisions about transportation, housing, air quality, and environmental justice shape everyday life in the Bay Area. Space is limited, and applications must be submitted by Monday, April 27 at 10 p.m. 

The Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Academy brings together several of the region’s leading public agencies, including the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and the Bay Area Air District. Through interactive, expert led sessions, students learn how these agencies work together to address some of the Bay Area’s most pressing challenges. 

Participants take part in engaging seminars that explore topics such as transportation and housing equity, environmental justice, community health, and social justice. Students gain insight into what public sector careers look like, the skills needed to pursue them, and how young people can meaningfully engage in decisions that affect their communities. Along the way, students are encouraged to ask big questions, from why housing costs so much and why potholes keep appearing, to how long infrastructure like bridges is meant to last and what sea level rise means for the Bay Area’s future. 

The Academy meets for two hours each Thursday in July, with sessions held primarily online over Zoom to reduce barriers to participation. The program begins on July 2 and concludes with an in- person capstone event on Friday, July 31 at the Bay Area Metro Center in San Francisco. Students who complete the full program receive a stipend as well as a certificate of completion that can be used for college applications and future career opportunities. 

Throughout the program, students participate in discussions, complete short quizzes, and work toward a final presentation focused on a local challenge related to transportation, housing, environmental justice, or a related issue. The capstone presentation gives students the opportunity to share their ideas, practice public speaking, and demonstrate what they’ve learned. 

To be eligible, students must live in the Bay Area, attend a local high school, and be at least 15 years old with completion of ninth grade by the start of the Academy. Participants must be able to attend the online seminars and complete a final presentation. Students under 18 will need permission from a parent or guardian. Enrollment is limited, and selection emphasizes a diversity of perspectives from across the Bay Area. Grade point averages are not considered. More information and the application can be found at: https://mtc.one/SummerAcademy2026

The Academy is named in honor of Norman Mineta, a lifelong public servant whose work helped shape the Bay Area and the nation. Mineta served as a San Jose City Council member and mayor, represented the South Bay in Congress, and later became U.S. Secretary of Transportation. He was deeply committed to creating pathways for young people to enter public service. The Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Academy reflects that legacy by empowering the next generation to learn, lead, and serve their communities.

MTC is the regional transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/high-school-students-apply-today-for-the-bay-area-summer-academy-2026-302723888.html

SOURCE Metropolitan Transportation Commission

SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — High school students across the Bay Area are invited to apply for the 2026 Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Academy, a paid summer program designed to introduce young people to careers in public service and regional leadership.

This four-week academy offers students a chance to explore how decisions about transportation, housing, air quality, and environmental justice shape everyday life in the Bay Area. Space is limited, and applications must be submitted by Monday, April 27 at 10 p.m. 

The Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Academy brings together several of the region’s leading public agencies, including the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and the Bay Area Air District. Through interactive, expert led sessions, students learn how these agencies work together to address some of the Bay Area’s most pressing challenges. 

Participants take part in engaging seminars that explore topics such as transportation and housing equity, environmental justice, community health, and social justice. Students gain insight into what public sector careers look like, the skills needed to pursue them, and how young people can meaningfully engage in decisions that affect their communities. Along the way, students are encouraged to ask big questions, from why housing costs so much and why potholes keep appearing, to how long infrastructure like bridges is meant to last and what sea level rise means for the Bay Area’s future. 

The Academy meets for two hours each Thursday in July, with sessions held primarily online over Zoom to reduce barriers to participation. The program begins on July 2 and concludes with an in- person capstone event on Friday, July 31 at the Bay Area Metro Center in San Francisco. Students who complete the full program receive a stipend as well as a certificate of completion that can be used for college applications and future career opportunities. 

Throughout the program, students participate in discussions, complete short quizzes, and work toward a final presentation focused on a local challenge related to transportation, housing, environmental justice, or a related issue. The capstone presentation gives students the opportunity to share their ideas, practice public speaking, and demonstrate what they’ve learned. 

To be eligible, students must live in the Bay Area, attend a local high school, and be at least 15 years old with completion of ninth grade by the start of the Academy. Participants must be able to attend the online seminars and complete a final presentation. Students under 18 will need permission from a parent or guardian. Enrollment is limited, and selection emphasizes a diversity of perspectives from across the Bay Area. Grade point averages are not considered. More information and the application can be found at: https://mtc.one/SummerAcademy2026

The Academy is named in honor of Norman Mineta, a lifelong public servant whose work helped shape the Bay Area and the nation. Mineta served as a San Jose City Council member and mayor, represented the South Bay in Congress, and later became U.S. Secretary of Transportation. He was deeply committed to creating pathways for young people to enter public service. The Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Academy reflects that legacy by empowering the next generation to learn, lead, and serve their communities.

MTC is the regional transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/high-school-students-apply-today-for-the-bay-area-summer-academy-2026-302723888.html

SOURCE Metropolitan Transportation Commission

SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — High school students across the Bay Area are invited to apply for the 2026 Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Academy, a paid summer program designed to introduce young people to careers in public service and regional leadership.

This four-week academy offers students a chance to explore how decisions about transportation, housing, air quality, and environmental justice shape everyday life in the Bay Area. Space is limited, and applications must be submitted by Monday, April 27 at 10 p.m. 

The Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Academy brings together several of the region’s leading public agencies, including the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and the Bay Area Air District. Through interactive, expert led sessions, students learn how these agencies work together to address some of the Bay Area’s most pressing challenges. 

Participants take part in engaging seminars that explore topics such as transportation and housing equity, environmental justice, community health, and social justice. Students gain insight into what public sector careers look like, the skills needed to pursue them, and how young people can meaningfully engage in decisions that affect their communities. Along the way, students are encouraged to ask big questions, from why housing costs so much and why potholes keep appearing, to how long infrastructure like bridges is meant to last and what sea level rise means for the Bay Area’s future. 

The Academy meets for two hours each Thursday in July, with sessions held primarily online over Zoom to reduce barriers to participation. The program begins on July 2 and concludes with an in- person capstone event on Friday, July 31 at the Bay Area Metro Center in San Francisco. Students who complete the full program receive a stipend as well as a certificate of completion that can be used for college applications and future career opportunities. 

Throughout the program, students participate in discussions, complete short quizzes, and work toward a final presentation focused on a local challenge related to transportation, housing, environmental justice, or a related issue. The capstone presentation gives students the opportunity to share their ideas, practice public speaking, and demonstrate what they’ve learned. 

To be eligible, students must live in the Bay Area, attend a local high school, and be at least 15 years old with completion of ninth grade by the start of the Academy. Participants must be able to attend the online seminars and complete a final presentation. Students under 18 will need permission from a parent or guardian. Enrollment is limited, and selection emphasizes a diversity of perspectives from across the Bay Area. Grade point averages are not considered. More information and the application can be found at: https://mtc.one/SummerAcademy2026

The Academy is named in honor of Norman Mineta, a lifelong public servant whose work helped shape the Bay Area and the nation. Mineta served as a San Jose City Council member and mayor, represented the South Bay in Congress, and later became U.S. Secretary of Transportation. He was deeply committed to creating pathways for young people to enter public service. The Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Academy reflects that legacy by empowering the next generation to learn, lead, and serve their communities.

MTC is the regional transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/high-school-students-apply-today-for-the-bay-area-summer-academy-2026-302723888.html

SOURCE Metropolitan Transportation Commission

CHICAGO, March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cornview Development LLC today announced it has reached a key platform milestone, with more than 165 megawatts direct current (MWdc) of small utility‑scale solar facilities in Illinois financed into construction to date. This milestone is part of Cornview’s broader 250+ MWdc pipeline in the state that was originated in 2022 and 2023.

Cornview’s Illinois portfolio spans projects from notice‑to‑proceed through late‑stage construction and commercial operation across all regions and investor‑owned utility footprints in the state. To date, Cornview’s projects have paid more than $50 million in public utility interconnection upgrades across both Illinois investor‑owned utilities and are expected to generate over $500,000 per year in aggregate real estate taxes for local communities, schools, and roadway districts across dozens of counties. Upon completion, these projects will be able to generate enough power for nearly 45,000 Illinois residents to benefit from.

“This milestone demonstrates Cornview’s ability to de‑risk, structure, and execute on development assets in a highly competitive and dynamic market,” said a representative from Cornview. “With more than 250 MWdc in our Illinois pipeline and over half a gigawatt of projects invested in since 2022, Cornview has shown its ability to take long‑term generation positions within an ever-expanding Illinois energy market where demand will continue to grow in the coming years.”

Cornview’s remaining tranches of financing are expected to close by the end of 2026.

About Cornview Development LLC

Cornview Development LLC f/k/a 22c Development, LLC is a land development company based in Uptown Chicago that was founded in 2022.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cornview-development-llc-announces-over-165-mwdc-financed-into-construction-in-illinois-302723841.html

SOURCE Cornview Development LLC

SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Linea Energy (“Linea”), a U.S. based renewable energy developer and independent power producer (“IPP”), that is sponsored by EnCap Investments L.P. (“EnCap”), announced today that it has closed project financing for its Watertown solar project (“Watertown”). Watertown is a 172 MWdc utility-scale solar energy facility located in Sanilac County, Michigan.

The Watertown financing package includes a construction-to-term loan, a tax equity bridge loan, and a letter of credit facility. The financing is led by Santander Corporate & Investment Banking, (“Santander”), with participation from Société Générale, S.A. (“SocGen”), Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (“NORD/LB”) and Truist Bank (“Truist”).

Linea has also executed a 25-year power purchase agreement (“PPA”) with Consumers Energy, a public entity operating under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Public Service Commission (“MPSC”).

“We are thrilled to announce the successful financing of Watertown,” said Cassidy DeLine, Chief Executive Officer of Linea Energy. “With the support of our financing partners and our long-term agreement with Consumers Energy, Watertown will bring meaningful economic benefits to Sanilac County while supporting the state’s long-term transition to a resilient, low-carbon grid.”

“Santander is proud to partner with Linea Energy on the financing of Watertown,” said Nuno Andrade, U.S. Head of Structured Finance and Global Head of Structured Finance Digital Infrastructure and REGAL, Santander Corporate & Investment Banking. “This project underscores the strength of Linea’s platform and will deliver long-term value for Michigan communities and the broader renewable energy sector.”

Now under construction, Watertown is expected to support approximately 150 construction jobs and generate enough clean energy to power 25,126 Michigan homes annually on the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (“MISO”) market beginning in April 2027. Over the next 20 years, the project is projected to deliver $16.4 million in local property tax revenue and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 148,389 pounds annually, supporting a cleaner, more resilient energy grid across Michigan.

This financing marks Linea’s third renewable energy project to reach financial close.
Winston & Strawn served as legal counsel to the lenders. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe served as borrower counsel to Linea Energy.

About Linea Energy

Linea Energy is a leading independent power producer focused on the development, ownership, and operation of clean energy infrastructure. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Linea is committed to driving the energy transition through the efficient development of a diverse portfolio of wind, solar, and battery energy storage projects. In partnership with EnCap Investments, Linea is dedicated to creating sustainable energy solutions that support a low-carbon future. Linea is focused on re-envisioning existing development strategies and creating unique processes to build more, faster. For more information, visit www.lineaenergy.com.

About EnCap Investments

Since 1988, EnCap Investments has been a leading provider of growth capital to the independent sector of the U.S. energy industry. The firm has raised 25 institutional investment funds totaling approximately $42 billion and currently manages capital on behalf of more than 350 U.S. and international investors. Founded in 2019, the EnCap Energy Transition platform is led by four Managing Partners, each with 30-35 years of experience in the development and operations of renewable energy and other power generation assets. For more information, please visit www.encapinvestments.com.

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SOURCE Linea Energy