Month: April 2026

Images available HERE

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Opening May 2 and running through Nov. 1, CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank invites guests to experience the work of Dale Chihuly across the outdoor landscapes of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where art, nature, and light come together on a grand scale.

This exhibition marks the third time Meijer Gardens has hosted the internationally acclaimed artist. Spanning 12 outdoor locations across the 158-acre campus, this presentation emphasizes Chihuly’s work in open-air environments, offering guests a dynamic, immersive journey through gardens, waterways, and natural vistas. Indoor installations within the Sculpture Galleries complement the experience, making this the largest and most expansive Chihuly exhibition in Meijer Gardens’ history.

General admission includes access to all outdoor Chihuly installations, allowing guests to explore vibrant, large-scale works set against the changing light and seasonal beauty of the landscape.

“We are excited to welcome guests to experience Chihuly’s work in a truly special way, in conversation with light, landscape, and the seasons,” said Carol Kendra, Chief Operating Officer at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “While the outdoor exhibition is the centerpiece, opportunities like Radiant Forms, Insider Tours and other related programming provide meaningful ways to go deeper and engage more broadly with the art.”

To further enrich their visit, guests are encouraged to enhance their experience with two unique add-ons:

CHIHULY: Radiant Forms (Indoor Gallery Experience)

A limited-capacity, timed-entry indoor exhibition within the Sculpture Galleries, CHIHULY: Radiant Forms offers an in-depth look at Chihuly’s artistic evolution across a variety of forms and styles. This curated gallery experience expands on the outdoor presentation and provides a more intimate encounter with the artist’s work. Separate timed tickets are required for this interior Sculpture Gallery experience.

Chihuly Insider Tours (Daily Guided Experience)

For those seeking a deeper understanding of Chihuly and his work, Chihuly Insider Tours offer a guided exploration of key outdoor installations. Beginning on the Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden, this approximately half-mile, 45-minute tour reveals the stories, techniques, and artistic vision behind the works on view. Tickets are available online or upon arrival, with members receiving a 10% discount.

Open Late Nights

On select evenings, Meijer Gardens will remain open until dusk, offering a unique opportunity to experience the outdoor installations as natural light shifts into evening. These extended hours highlight the interplay of glass, light, and environment. For a listing of Open Late Nights, visit MeijerGardens.org/Chihuly.

TICKETS

General admission tickets include access to all outdoor Chihuly installations across the campus.

CHIHULY: Radiant Forms requires a separate timed-entry ticket:
$9 adults | $5 children (ages 3–13)
Members receive a 10% discount

Tickets are available online or at the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Ticketing Center upon arrival.

For tickets and a full schedule of Open Late Nights, tours, classes, and programs designed to complement the exhibition, visit MeijerGardens.org/Chihuly.

CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens is organized by Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in cooperation with Chihuly Studio and made possible by Macatawa Bank, a Wintrust Community Bank; the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation; the Family of Jack H Miller; Ken Bandstra and Ken Terpstra; Margy Kaye & Bill Padnos; the Louis & Helen Padnos Foundation; and the Tassell–Wisner–Bottrall Foundation.

About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly is an American artist who transforms spaces with experiments in color, light, transparency and form. He is known for his exhibitions and large-scale architectural installations around the world and for revolutionizing the studio glass movement. Chihuly works with a variety of media, including glass, paint, charcoal, neon, ice, and Polyvitro, and his work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, including Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Corning Museum of Glass. Major exhibitions include Chihuly Over Venice (1995–96); Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem (1999); de Young Museum in San Francisco (2008); Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2011); Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond (2012); Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (2013); Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto (2016); Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas (2017); Groninger Museum, Groningen, the Netherlands (2018); Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London (2019); Gardens by the Bay, Singapore (2021); and Adelaide Botanic Garden, Australia (2025). Chihuly Garden and Glass, a long-term exhibition located at the Seattle Center, opened in 2012.

About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, was named the Best Sculpture Park in the United States in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and is regularly listed in the 100-most-visited museums in the world and 15-most-visited museums in the United States by The Art Newspaper, the leading global art news publication. The permanent collection highlights hundreds of sculptures from internationally acclaimed artists Magdalena Abakanowicz, El Anatsui, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Nick Cave, Mark di Suvero, Marshall Fredericks, Henry Moore, Beverly Pepper, Jaume Plensa, Auguste Rodin, Richard Serra, Yinka Shonibare CBE, and Ai Weiwei, among others. Indoor galleries with changing sculpture exhibitions have presented numerous solo shows, including artists Jonathan Borofsky, Edgar Degas, Jim Dine, Richard Hunt, Cristina Iglesias, Michele Oka Donor, George Segal, David Smith, and others. The 158-acre main campus features Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; one of the country’s largest interactive children’s gardens; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens, including a replica 1930s-era farm garden; an 8-acre Japanese garden featuring contemporary sculpture; and a 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater garden, showcasing an eclectic mix of world-renowned touring musicians each summer. Learning Engagement programs welcome 80,000 students and guests each year. Culinary Arts & Events offerings include weddings, corporate meetings, and award-winning catering. 

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts.

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SOURCE Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

The Campaign Unites Experts, Organizations, and Advocates to Promote Environmental Responsibility and Drive Action Toward a More Sustainable Future

LOS ANGELES, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mediaplanet announces the launch of a special edition of Sustainable Living, a campaign debuting in the Los Angeles Times online in celebration of Earth Day. This timely initiative brings together environmental leaders, sustainability experts, nonprofits, and innovative organizations committed to advancing eco-conscious practices and inspiring individuals and communities to live more sustainably.

As climate challenges and environmental concerns continue to shape global conversations, Sustainable Living explores actionable solutions and forward-thinking strategies that empower individuals and industries alike to reduce their environmental footprints. Through expert insights, compelling stories, and research-driven perspectives, the campaign highlights topics such as clean energy, responsible consumption, waste reduction, sustainable food systems, and green innovation.

Special Editorial Spotlight:

In a timely release aligned with Earth Day, a few select brands within the Sustainable Living campaign are highlighting practical, technology-driven solutions for more sustainable homes. This exclusive content showcases how leading brands are helping consumers reduce their environmental impact through energy-efficient systems and smarter resource management.

By aligning the launch of this digital special edition with Earth Day, featured brands: Lennox and Aiper, reinforce the importance of collective action while showing how individual choices at home can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Through thought leadership, impactful storytelling, and collaboration with purpose-driven organizations, Sustainable Living underscores the importance of environmental responsibility and the role each individual plays in shaping a more sustainable future.

The campaign officially launches nationwide on April 22, 2026.

Media Contact:
Josh Rouse
Operations and Production Manager
Josh.rouse@mediaplanet.com
Mediaplanet

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SOURCE Mediaplanet

HA NOI, Vietnam, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 22, 2026, VinFast released its first-quarter delivery figures, reporting 58,577 electric vehicles handed over globally, a 61% year-over-year increase. On paper, it is a strong commercial performance. In context, it is something more consequential, a signal that the company’s vertically integrated strategy is beginning to scale with measurable impact.

Behind the numbers lies a system, one that links manufacturing, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and urban development into a cohesive growth engine.

The composition of deliveries reveals a deliberate portfolio strategy. The Limo Green and VF 3 emerged as the best-selling models, reaching 12,693 and 11,088 units respectively, underscoring VinFast’s strength in accessible, urban-oriented segments.

Meanwhile, the VF 5, VF 6, and VF 7 collectively demonstrate the company’s ability to expand into higher-value categories without losing volume momentum. The presence of models like the VF MPV 7 and Minio Green further illustrates a segmentation approach designed to capture diverse mobility needs rather than rely on a single flagship.

Equally important is the surge in two-wheeler electrification. With 143,136 e-scooters and e-bikes delivered in the same period, up 219% year-over-year, VinFast is accelerating Vietnam’s green transition.

When VinFast vehicles begin appearing on roads in markets such as California or North Carolina, they reflect the outward extension of a system designed to operate across markets.

Smart Manufacturing as a Strategic Control Layer

At the core of VinFast’s global aspiration lies a principle often underestimated in the electric vehicle race: Manufacturing is a strategic control layer. While many EV entrants have prioritized software or branding, VinFast has invested early in industrial capability, positioning production itself as a source of competitive advantage.

This approach is reinforced through its integration within Vingroup, particularly via collaboration with VinRobotics. VinRobotics is developing AI-enabled robotic systems capable of adaptive behavior in complex manufacturing environments. These include humanoid robots designed for operational flexibility, systems that can interpret workflows, respond to variability, and continuously optimize execution.

The implications are structural. As VinFast scales production across multiple markets, the ability to maintain consistency in quality while improving throughput becomes critical. Intelligent automation enables precisely that, reducing error rates, tightening tolerances, and improving capacity utilization without proportionally increasing labor or operational complexity.

More importantly, this manufacturing model creates a feedback loop. Data generated on the factory floor can inform design adjustments, process optimization, and even supply chain decisions.

Autonomous Technology and the Discipline of Capital Efficiency

While manufacturing provides the backbone, autonomous driving represents the frontier. VinFast’s approach here is notably pragmatic. Instead of pursuing autonomy through aggressive, capital-intensive experimentation, the company has adopted a staged roadmap that balances ambition with execution discipline.

Starting from Level 2+ and 2++ advanced driver-assistance systems, VinFast is incrementally progressing toward Level 4 autonomy. This progression is not only technological but also strategic, allowing the company to deploy features that generate immediate user value while building the foundation for more advanced capabilities.

A key element of this strategy is selective partnership. Through collaboration with Tensor, VinFast gains access to cutting-edge Level 4 robocar technologies without bearing the full cost of development. In this relationship, VinFast’s role extends beyond manufacturing. It acts as a commercialization platform, bridging the gap between prototype and scalable deployment.

This hybrid model, combining in-house R&D with external innovation, allows VinFast to remain agile while preserving capital efficiency. It also positions the company to participate in emerging mobility segments such as robotaxi services, where the convergence of autonomy, electrification, and platform economics is expected to reshape urban transportation.

Ecosystem Integration as a Long-Term Differentiator

If manufacturing defines capability and autonomy defines direction, ecosystem integration defines VinFast’s long-term differentiation. Unlike many automakers that operate within narrowly defined value chains, VinFast benefits from the broader architecture of Vingroup, where adjacent sectors are developed in parallel and designed to interconnect.

Within this ecosystem, companies such as GSM and V-Green address two of the most persistent barriers to EV adoption: utilization and infrastructure. GSM’s all-electric taxi fleet generates immediate, large-scale demand while familiarizing consumers with electric mobility in everyday contexts. V-Green, meanwhile, expands charging accessibility, reducing friction in ownership and enabling broader adoption.

This integrated model extends beyond mobility into urban development through Vinhomes. Projects such as Vinhomes Green Paradise illustrate how electrification can be embedded into the fabric of city planning, rather than retrofitted onto existing infrastructure. With renewable energy sources, fully electrified transport systems, and low-density construction aligned with environmental preservation, such developments function as living laboratories for sustainable urban ecosystems.

What emerges from this structure is not just synergy, but compounding value. Each component reinforces the others, increased EV adoption drives demand for charging infrastructure; expanded infrastructure supports mobility services; mobility services, in turn, normalize electrification and feed back into vehicle demand. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle that is difficult for competitors operating in isolated segments to replicate.

Ultimately, VinFast’s trajectory suggests a shift in how automotive companies define themselves. The company is positioning itself as a platform, one that integrates production, technology, infrastructure, and lifestyle into a unified proposition.

In a global industry undergoing rapid transformation, this integrated approach may prove decisive. Growth figures, while impressive, are only the surface. The deeper story is about architecture, the deliberate construction of a system capable of scaling not just products, but an entire model of mobility.

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SOURCE VinFast

• Annual Initiative Recognizes Educators Across the U.S. Through Employee Stories and Surprise Recognitions
• $10,000 Awarded to Select Educators Through Heartfelt Employee-Nominated Video Submissions
• Hundreds of Additional Teachers Supported Nationwide through Gifts, Supplies, and Classroom Resources

FISHERS, Ind., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For educators who pour their time, energy, and often their own resources into shaping young lives, appreciation doesn’t always come often. Through its annual Teachers Rock initiative, Round Room, LLC, one of the nation’s largest Verizon Authorized Retailers, is working to change that by surprising teachers across the country with moments of heartfelt recognition, sparked by the very people whose lives they helped. Throughout the initiative, employees shared personal stories of gratitude, resulting in $10,000 awarded to select educators and meaningful classroom support reaching hundreds more nationwide.  

Built by the employees of Round Room and each of its entities, including TCC and Wireless Zone, the Teachers Rock initiative gives staff an opportunity to show appreciation for educators. This year, Round Room invited employees to recognize a teacher who made an impact on their life. Educators nationwide received thoughtful gifts including cozy blankets and essential supplies such as pens, paper and Kleenex, designed to support their needs both inside and outside the classroom.

For one employee, Teacher Rock was an opportunity to honor her high school guidance counselor whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.

“Mrs. Connie White was more than a guidance counselor, she was someone who gave extra time, care and encouragement not only to me, but to so many of my peers,” said Hannah Schutte, Round Room Gives Program Director, who surprised her former guidance counselor during a classroom visit, “Programs like Teachers Rock are one of many reasons I love working at Round Room. Our employees are able to turn gratitude into action and recognize the people who helped shape who we are today.”

The heartfelt teacher surprises and employee stories are featured in a video that captures the emotion and gratitude behind each nomination. The nominations highlighted educators who guided students well beyond academics, shaping character, supporting emotional growth, and offering encouragement when it mattered most.

“What makes Teachers Rock so meaningful is that it’s driven entirely by our employees,” said Scott Moorehead, CEO of Round Room. “These recognitions come from genuine gratitude of teachers who went the extra mile and left a lasting impact. From surprise awards to classroom support across the country, this initiative reflects the heart of our culture and our belief in turning appreciation into action.”

Teachers Rock is a part of Round Room’s quarterly community giveback initiatives, which focus on addressing different needs throughout the year based on employee passions and local impact opportunities.

The Round Room Way: Community at the Core
Philanthropy is woven into the fabric of Round Room, driven by the passion and creativity of its employees and store owners. From local backpack giveaways enhanced with dunk tanks, obstacle courses, and partner giveaways, to national quarterly initiatives that support teachers, pet rescues and those affected by domestic violence, the company is committed to making a real impact. With over $10 million donated through its community grant program, benefiting more than 2,000 local nonprofits, Round Room continues to uplift communities through both grassroots efforts and large-scale giving.

To learn more about Round Room and their philanthropic commitments, visit roundroom.com/our-impact

About Round Room, LLC
Founded on a mission and deep commitment of giving back to employees, customers, and the communities it serves, Round Room is one of the largest Verizon-authorized retailers in the U.S. Its collective portfolio of brands includes TCC, Wireless Zone, and Culture of Good. With more than 1,300 TCC and Wireless Zone retail locations across 43 states, Round Room has donated more than $10M to various causes through ongoing giveback initiatives. The company’s efforts have also been recognized through the Top Workplaces USA 2025 award and Top Workplaces Culture Excellence award. To learn more about Round Room, visit www.RoundRoom.com.

About TCC
Founded in 1991, TCC is a Verizon wireless retailer that operates over 500 locations from coast to coast and employs upwards of 1,900 people. As a certified ‘Culture of Good’ company, TCC encourages employees to give back in every community it serves through its Community Grant program, volunteer opportunities, and local philanthropic events. TCC has been recognized with several notable awards including Inc. Magazine’s Best in Business, Top Workplaces USA, and Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work. To learn more about TCC or to find a location near you, visit www.TCCRocks.com. For more information about TCC’s parent company, Round Room, LLC, visit www.RoundRoom.com.

About Wireless Zone
Wireless Zone^® is the nation’s largest wireless retail franchisor with 790 independently owned and operated Verizon wireless stores across the U.S. Founded in 1988, Wireless Zone has earned prestigious industry rankings on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchise in 2025. From franchisees to corporate employees, each team member plays a critical role in its giveback efforts through system-wide fundraising campaigns or nominating a local charity for a community grant. The system is franchised and operated by Wireless Zone, LLC. Visit www.WirelessZone.com for more information or www.RoundRoom.com to learn about its parent company, Round Room, LLC.

Media Contact: Jessica Cahill, Fishman Public Relations, (847) 945-1300 or jcahill@fishmanpr.com   

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SOURCE Round Room (TCC | Wireless Zone)

Recipients include 86 nonprofit organizations across American Water’s national footprint

CAMDEN, N.J., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., awarded a combined total of $1,502,392 million to 86 organizations in 13 states, supporting communities served by American Water through the Foundation’s 2026 Water and Environment Grant Program.

“The HeartLands Conservancy is proud to be a 2026 Water and Environment grant recipient and is grateful for the American Water Charitable Foundation’s continued partnership,” said Mary Vandevord, President & CEO, The HeartLands Conservancy. “With this funding, the Conservancy will continue to advance Phase 4 of our Exploration Garden: A Raindrop’s Journey, transforming a former golf course into an interactive, educational landscape that brings learning to life while demonstrating nature‑based solutions that improve biodiversity and water quality, strengthen environmental stewardship, and benefit The Metro East Community and greater region for generations to come.”

Grant recipients positively impact communities served by American Water’s regulated subsidiaries in California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Regional events to celebrate local efforts are forthcoming.

“Through the Water and Environment Grant Program, the American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support projects that protect clean water, promote conservation, expand environmental education, and create meaningful water‑based experiences in communities served by American Water,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “Guided by our core passion for water, we are pleased to invest in local efforts that help protect the environment and strengthen communities.”

The Water and Environment grant is part of the Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities.

Due to the volume of grant applications received, each application was evaluated on a competitive basis. The Foundation strives to fund programs with a strong impact and measurable outcomes within its funding priorities.

Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation and the 2026 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program here. 

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

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SOURCE American Water