Month: April 2026

MIAMI, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Origis Energy, one of America’s leading clean energy platforms, today announced the closing of $118M in tax equity financing from RBC Community Investments (“RBC”) for the Chalan Solar + Storage project in Kern County, California.

Origis Energy is constructing and will own and operate the 65 MWac solar and 25 MW / 100 MWh battery energy storage facility, which is expected to achieve commercial operation in Q4 2026. The project’s output is contracted under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Pioneer Community Energy, a not-for-profit community choice electricity provider headquartered in Rocklin, California, serving customers across Placer and El Dorado counties.

“We are delighted to partner with RBC to bring another high-quality solar and storage project to the grid and deliver reliable, cost-effective clean energy to Pioneer’s customers and communities,” said Alice Heathcote, Chief Financial Officer of Origis Energy. “This transaction underscores the strength of our platform – from development through financing – and our ability to attract top-tier capital partners as we continue to scale.”

“RBC’s investment in the Chalan solar and storage project demonstrates our longstanding and continued commitment to the clean energy transition,” said Jonathan Cheng, Managing Director and Head of RBC’s Renewable Energy Tax Equity Investments. “We are excited to partner with Origis on this transaction and look forward to collaborating on future projects.”

About Origis Energy

Origis Energy is one of America’s leading renewable energy platforms, committed to delivering near-term, cost-competitive solutions for today’s infrastructure needs. We put customers first by deploying a full suite of energy services, including grid-scale power generation, performance optimization, and long-term operation of solar and energy storage assets across the U.S. Learn more at www.origisenergy.com.

About RBC Community Investments

RBC Community Investments is a leading syndicator of Renewable Energy Tax Credits, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Workforce Housing Investments, Historic Tax Credits, and State Tax Credits. By creating well-structured investments, our team of experienced professionals crafts equity solutions that help drive the successful development of affordable multifamily communities and renewable energy projects nationwide. As of April 2026, our team of over 156 professionals has raised over $22.3 billion in equity with 121 institutional investors.

To learn more, visit www.rbccm.com/communityinvestments

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SOURCE Origis Energy

WILMINGTON, Del., April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Guidepost Montessori, running 80+ preschools across the United States, has partnered with illumine, the world’s first AI-powered childcare management software, to power parent communication and operational infrastructure across its growing network of campuses.

With an established presence spanning more than 20 states, Guidepost Montessori is focused on building a modern digital infrastructure that upholds the operational excellence and unwavering quality families have come to expect from the Montessori experience. As a network rooted in intentional, child-centered education, Guidepost sought a technology partner that could match that standard. illumine, AI-powered vertical SaaS platform designed specifically for early childhood education, emerged as a natural fit. illumine now supports family communication, tuition collection, compliance, attendance management, and operational workflows across Guidepost Montessori schools – ensuring that every campus delivers the consistent, high-quality experience that defines the Guidepost name. The platform also enables centralized visibility for leadership teams, helping administrators maintain that standard consistently across every location.

Bringing AI to Modern Childcare Operations

While artificial intelligence is transforming many industries, early childhood education has historically lagged behind in adopting advanced technology. As an AI-powered platform purpose-built for early childhood education, illumine integrates AI directly into everyday school operations. Built on years of childcare operational data and educator workflows, the platform applies intelligent automation to simplify tasks that traditionally require hours of manual work.

One of the most important areas where AI is creating impact is communication. Early education environments often serve diverse communities where families speak different languages or have varying levels of digital familiarity. illumine’s platform helps schools bridge this gap by enabling multilingual communication and simplifying how updates, announcements, and classroom moments are shared with families.

By combining secure AI, childcare-specific data, and purpose-built childcare management software, illumine is helping early education providers modernize how schools run-without compromising the human-centered nature of early learning.

Leadership Perspectives on the Partnership

Navneet Rastogi, CEO of illumine, said “Guidepost Montessori has built an extraordinary network of schools grounded in authentic Montessori principles and a deep commitment to families. We’re excited to support their continued growth with an AI-powered childcare management platform that simplifies operations, strengthens parent communication, and gives leadership teams real-time visibility across campuses. Our goal is to remove operational friction so educators can focus on what matters most – supporting children and their development.”

Matthew Sears, Senior Vice President of Technology, Global, at Guidepost Global Education, added: “When we decided to move to illumine for our U.S. network, the objective was to eliminate fragmented systems and create a unified experience for both our internal teams and the families we serve. Previously, many processes relied on manual work across disconnected tools – from updating data between systems to calculating seat availability through spreadsheets and custom solutions. It worked, but only because people were holding it together. As we sought a more efficient operating model, that approach became unsustainable. We needed real-time visibility into what was happening across every campus, dramatically less administrative burden on our teams, and a system that could handle the complexity of operating dozens of schools across more than twenty states.”

“illumine addressed all three.” He said, “And it covers all aspects of the family and staff experience from enrollment, communication to billing, and more. illumine provides visibility at all levels of the organization – from school leaders checking form completion to regional managers monitoring billing across campuses and executives reviewing enrollment trends network-wide. It puts the families we serve in control of their own information, and connects them directly with the staff most important to them and their child.  And the whole system is backed by a great support team at illumine, eager to understand our needs and help us get the most out of the platform.  They’ve made all the difference as we navigated the challenge of rolling out a new system in the middle of the academic year across 80+ locations.

Building the Future of Early Education Technology

The collaboration between Guidepost Montessori and illumine highlights the growing role of AI-powered technology in modern early childhood education. As childcare networks expand across regions and markets, digital platforms purpose-built for early education are becoming essential to maintaining operational efficiency, parent trust, and consistent school experiences.

By implementing illumine across its network, Guidepost Montessori is building a scalable digital infrastructure designed to support both operational excellence and strong school–family partnerships.

About illumine
illumine is an AI-powered childcare management platform built for preschools, daycares, and early education networks.. It streamlines enrollment, tuition and billing, attendance tracking, regulatory compliance, and parent communication within a unified system powered by AI. Built to reduce administrative burden and improve operational efficiency, Illumine supports childcare centers and multi-site programs across the United States and globally. For more information, visit www.illumine.app.

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SOURCE illumine Technology Inc

MIRAMAR, Fla., April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In recognition of National Healthcare Decisions Day (April 16), VITAS Healthcare, the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care, is calling on Americans to take an important step: document their healthcare goals and wishes before a crisis occurs.

Advance care planning ensures that individuals receive care aligned with their values, while easing the emotional burden on families and improving communication across the healthcare continuum. Yet many adults have not completed an advance directive or had conversations with loved ones about their preferences.

Free CME/CE Educational Webinar

To help address this gap, VITAS will host a free educational webinar designed for healthcare professionals and community members alike. The session offers one complimentary CME or CE credit, equipping clinicians with practical tools to guide meaningful conversations about advance directives and care planning.

• Advance Directives and Advance Care Planning
• Wednesday, April 15 at 1:00 p.m. ET
• Virtual (Zoom): Register at VITAS.com/Webinars

“Too often, these conversations happen in moments of crisis, when patients may no longer be able to share their wishes,” said Heather Veeder, MD, regional medical director at VITAS. “Advance care planning gives people a voice in their care and provides clarity for families and clinicians. It is one of the most important steps we can take to ensure care reflects what matters most to each individual.”

The webinar will explore how clinicians can integrate advance care planning into routine practice, normalize conversations about serious illness and help patients document their preferences clearly and effectively.

Healthcare professionals and community members can learn more and register for the April 15 webinar and other upcoming topics at VITAS.com/Webinars.

Partnering With Healthcare Communities

VITAS is also expanding its educational outreach through collaboration. In partnership with the Florida Hospital Association, VITAS will host a joint webinar on April 16, focused on strengthening advance care planning conversations across Florida’s healthcare system. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving patient-centered care through earlier, more consistent dialogue.

In addition, VITAS experts recently contributed to broader national discussions on the topic. Dr. Veeder and Jason Cooper, national spiritual services lead, offered their perspectives during an episode of the MANifesting Health Webinar Series hosted by the American Association for Men in Nursing. Their discussion emphasized the clinical, emotional and spiritual importance of advance care planning, reinforcing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to these conversations.

Year-Round Advance Care Planning

While National Healthcare Decisions Day serves as a reminder each year, Dr. Veeder stresses that advance care planning should be an ongoing priority. “Every adult should have a plan in place, regardless of age or health status,” she said. “When preferences are documented and shared, patients receive care that aligns with their goals, and families are spared the uncertainty of making difficult decisions without guidance.”

By advancing education, fostering collaboration and equipping clinicians with the tools to lead these conversations, VITAS continues to set the standard for compassionate, patient-centered end-of-life care.

About VITAS^® Healthcare
VITAS Healthcare is the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care. For almost 50 years, VITAS (pronounced VEE-tahs) has delivered compassionate hospice and palliative care to seriously ill patients and their families. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, the company operates 59 service areas across 15 states (Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin) and the District of Columbia. 

VITAS cares for more than 22,000 patients daily, primarily wherever they call home, as well as in its inpatient hospice settings and through partnerships with hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities. With a team of nearly 12,000 employees, VITAS was named a 2025 Top Workplace in Healthcare. Visit www.vitas.com.

Media inquiries contact: media@vitas.com, 877-848-2701 

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SOURCE VITAS Healthcare

LOS ANGELES, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Los Angeles Football Club and America’s Tire today announced their season-long partnership, naming one of the nation’s leading independent tire and wheel retailers an Official Partner of LAFC.

For the 2026 season, LAFC fans will see America’s Tire branding integrated throughout home matches, and America’s Tire will offer fans helpful tire safety tips through pre-match video fan engagement features at select home matches. The partnership includes in-stadium rotating LED signage during home matches at BMO Stadium and digital out-of-home signage on LAFC’s exterior LED network surrounding the stadium.

America’s Tire first opened a store in California in 1983, and today, it operates over 120 stores in the state. With 10 stores in the Los Angeles area, including several within just a 15-minute drive from BMO Stadium, America’s Tire is equipped to help LAFC fans get to and from matches safely.

“With America’s Tire’s strong foundation in Southern California, this partnership positions us well to connect with more customers across the region, while continuing to promote tire safety among passionate soccer fans,” shared Tom Williams, chief experience officer at America’s Tire.

Through the partnership with LAFC, America’s Tire will further expand its commitment to supporting soccer fans while promoting tire safety and helping keep drivers safe on the roads. The retailer also serves as the Official Tire Retailer of Major League Soccer in its 31st season, including the MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup.

“We’re excited to partner with America’s Tire and extend its mission of uniting passionate soccer fans and sharing important, lifesaving tire safety tips,” said LAFC Co-President & Owner Larry Freedman. 

America’s Tire operates in 20 MLS markets across the United States — including Los Angeles — where drivers can expect expert tire, wheel, and wiper blades installation and free tire safety checks.

For more information about America’s Tire and to find a location, visit americastire.com. For more information about Los Angeles Football Club, visit lafc.com.  

About America’s Tire
America’s Tire is the leading independent retailer of tires, wheels, and windshield wipers. Founded in 1960 by Bruce T. Halle, the company serves customers at more than 1,250 stores in 40 states. The company does business as Discount Tire in most of the U.S. and as America’s Tire in parts of California, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Treadwell, America’s Tire’s proprietary online tire recommendation tool, uses decades of data and individual driving habits to recommend the right tires for each driver’s unique needs. America’s Tire is a primary sponsor of the No. 2 Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Official Tire Retailer of Major League Soccer. For more information, visit www.americastire.com

About LAFC
The 2022 MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Football Club has represented the greater Los Angeles area in Major League Soccer since 2018. The two-time Supporters’ Shield Champions (2019, 2022) and 2024 U.S. Open Cup Champions, LAFC is dedicated to building a world-class soccer club that represents the diversity of Los Angeles and is committed to delivering an unrivaled experience for fans. LAFC’s ownership group is comprised of local leaders and innovators of industry with intellectual capital, financial prowess, operations expertise, and success in the fields of entertainment, sports, technology, and media. LAFC is invested in the world’s game and Los Angeles, constructing and developing the 22,000-seat BMO Stadium and a top-flight training center on the campus of Cal State Los Angeles.

Media Contacts
America’s Tire
Rachel Baker
pressemails@discounttire.com

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SOURCE Discount Tire

Reigning Masters Champion Rory McIlroy makes $500,000 Donation to Youth on Course to Fund 70,000 Rounds for Kids through Golf with Us

Key Points

• Bank of America’s “Golf with Us” returns, offering youth ages 6-18 $5 tee times via free Youth on Course memberships nationwide at BofA.com/GolfwithUs
• Available across Bank of America’s 97 markets, the Golf with Us targets 150,000 new participants and aims to continue to increase Youth on Course’s municipal course network across the country
• Bank of America will bring Golf with Us clinics to 25 markets, offering skill development and life lessons for local youth
• Enhanced benefits in 2026 include $5 golf simulator rentals and free PGA Pro lessons via Youth on Course partners Golf Galaxy and Dick’s House of Sport

AUGUSTA, Ga. and CHARLOTTE, N.C. and MONTEREY, Calif., April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Continuing on its commitment to make golf more accessible and affordable for kids, Bank of America today announced the return of Golf with Us. Children, ages 6-18, are invited to enroll in Golf with Us to access tee times for $5 or less to thousands of courses across Bank of America’s 97 markets through a free one-year membership to Youth on Course.

In its inaugural year, Bank of America’s Golf with Us drew nearly 100,000 youth participants from every state, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, with members logging more than 100,000 rounds of golf nationwide. Of those members, more than 22,000 were girls including many first-time golfers. This year, the Bank hopes to enroll 150,000 kids in Golf with Us.

“Our belief in the power of sport to bring people together and broaden opportunity is reinforced by our partnerships that help us build stronger client connections, support local economies and inspire future generations,” said Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America. “In its first year, Golf with Us has helped nearly 100,000 kids learn invaluable life skills, and we look forward to building on this momentum with Rory’s terrific support and partners like Youth on Course.”

Golf with Us returns on golf’s grandest stage – the 2026 Masters Tournament, where Bank of America serves as a Champion Partner. The bank’s newest marketing campaign reimagines the sport’s most iconic Masters moments with Golf with Us members featuring:

Jack Nicklaus’ iconic putt for birdie on the 17th in 1986 to secure sole possession of the lead

Bubba Watson’s escape from the pine straw on the 10th enroute to a 2012 Masters victory

Rory McIlroy’s shot of a lifetime on the 15th hole and celebration on 18 after securing his long-awaited green jacket in 2025

“I remember being a kid trying to copy everything the players I looked up to did, the swing, the mannerisms, all of it. The idea of a young kid recreating that shot on 15 really resonated with me,” said McIlroy. “Golf teaches powerful life lessons, how to compete, stay patient, and handle setbacks, and those lessons shape who you become. Opening access to the game is key to giving more kids that opportunity.”

Inspired by the campaign, McIlroy will donate $500,000 to Youth on Course, which will help fund 70,000 rounds for members in the months ahead.

While discounted tee times remain a core offering, Golf with Us benefits also include:

• NEW IN 2026: Expanded access for indoor play with $5 golf simulator rentals and a free lesson from a PGA Pro at any Golf Galaxy and DICK’s House of Sport location
• NEW IN 2026: Mentor-led golf experiences through a partnership with Watson Links
• A registered handicap index in the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) system
• Complimentary access to GolfPass
• Continued development and learning opportunities through the PGA of America REACH Foundation

Throughout the spring and summer, Bank of America will also host thousands of kids at free Golf with Us clinics across the country where golf legends and celebrities with a passion for golf serve as instructors, sharing fundamental golf skills and life lessons while helping children feel a sense of belonging within the sport. In 2025, more than 1,500 kids participated in these clinics across 25 markets alongside golf legend Annika Sorenstam, NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Davis, World Series Champions Ryan Zimmerman and Jackie Bradley, Jr., and former U.S. Men’s National Team veteran Jozy Altidore, among dozens of others.

“Our partnership with Bank of America has been a gamechanger for Youth on Course, accelerating our mission and scaling our impact in communities across the country,” said Adam Heieck, Chief Executive Officer, Youth on Course. “As Youth on Course proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, Bank of America’s support has not only inspired tens of thousands of new young golfers but also expanded our network by adding over 100 municipal course locations and counting, ensuring that kids have safe, affordable places to play in their communities.”

Golf with Us is free and open to the first 150,000 new participants who enroll before June 15. Returning Golf with Us participants can renew their annual membership with an exclusive 20% discount offer, courtesy of Bank of America. Interested families can learn more about the Golf with Us program and enroll by visiting: BofA.com/GolfwithUs.

Frequently asked questions

Question: How can my child sign up for Golf with Us, and is there a cost?
Answer: Golf with Us is free and open to the first 150,000 new participants, ages 6-18, who enroll before June 15, 2026. Families can learn more and sign up at BofA.com/GolfwithUs. Returning Golf with Us participants are eligible to renew their membership at an exclusive 20% discount, courtesy of Bank of America.

Question: What benefits are included with a Youth on Course membership through Golf with Us?
Answer: Members can enjoy rounds for $5 or less at thousands of courses nationwide. Once they complete one qualifying golf session, they also gain access to $5 golf simulator rentals at any Golf Galaxy and DICK’s House of Sport location, a registered handicap index through the USGA’s Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN), complimentary access to GolfPass, and continued development and learning opportunities through the PGA of America REACH Foundation.

Question: How is Bank of America working to expand golf access in communities long-term?
Answer: Bank of America is funding the widespread expansion of municipal courses within Youth on Course’s network. This investment ensures that kids in more communities — including those that have historically had limited access — have safe, affordable places to play close to home.

Question: Is Golf with Us designed for all kids, including those who have never played before?
Answer: Absolutely. Golf with Us is designed to welcome all young people to the game, regardless of experience level. In its inaugural year, thousands of first-time golfers enrolled, and more than 22,000 participants were girls — reflecting the program’s commitment to making golf a sport where every kid feels they belong. No prior experience is needed to sign up and start playing.

Question: What is Youth on Course, and why did Bank of America partner with this organization?
Answer: Youth on Course is a nonprofit organization that has provided young people access to golf for $5 or less since 2006, with a network of more than 2,000 courses across the United States, Canada, and Australia. Celebrating its 20th year, Youth on Course shares the Bank’s commitment to removing financial barriers to the game and creating meaningful opportunities for youth in communities nationwide.

Question: Where is “Golf with Us” available?
Answer: Golf with Us is available across all 97 Bank of America markets, spanning all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Through Youth on Course’s network of more than 2,000 partner courses nationwide, families can find affordable, accessible places to play close to home. Interested families can visit BofA.com/GolfwithUs to enroll and explore participating courses in their area.

Bank of America’s Sports Commitment
Bank of America serves as a Champion Partner of the Masters Tournament and has partnered with the Augusta National Women’s Amateur since 2019. Bank of America is also the presenting partner of the More Than Golf Invitational for female amateur golfers in partnership with the ANNIKA Foundation and has partnered since 2002 with the Latin America Amateur Championship and Asia-Pacific Amateur Championships.

Bank of America also serves as Platinum Partner of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and will bring more than 159 athletes and 40 caddies to the competition as sponsor of the golf competition. 

Beyond its growing golf partnership portfolio, Bank of America also partners with some of the most iconic brands in sports that share a vision for excellence and achievement. Through these partnerships, the bank is working to deepen client relationships, inspire and showcase teammates, create lasting economic impact in communities, and drive growth, globally and locally, through the power of sport. To learn more, visit our Bank of America Sports webpage.

Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million clients with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

Youth on Course
Youth on Course, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Monterey, Calif., provides youth 18 and under access to life-changing opportunities through golf. Since its inception in 2006, Youth on Course members have played more than 5 million subsidized rounds of golf for $5 or less at thousands of partner courses throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. Its members include the top juniors in the sport, competing on the AJGA and Underrated Tours, the inaugural United States Golf Association U.S. National Development Team, and all collegiate levels. The organization forges new pathways for youth to grow in the game via opportunities, including the DRIVE Club, Careers on Course, Leadership Council, and its annual College Scholarship awards. The Youth on Course Alumni Network extends membership to those 19 and older, offering opportunities for young adults to connect at complementary events, access exclusive deals, and network with the top employers in the golf industry. Supporters can participate in various initiatives, including the Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike, the Vintage Cup, and the Online Auction, to help fund golf access for youth. More information about Youth on Course can be found by visiting youthoncourse.org or Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X.

Reporters may contact

Andy Aldridge, Bank of America  
Phone: 1.980.387.0514
andrew.aldridge@bofa.com

Olivia Prentice, Youth on Course
Buffalo Groupe
Phone: 210.739.3784
oprentice@buffalogroupe.com

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SOURCE Bank of America Corporation