Month: April 2026

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Earth Day, the Great Mother March will arrive on the National Mall, completing a 32-day walking pilgrimage from Asheville, North Carolina. The gathering stands as the only Earth Day event taking place on the National Mall this year, offering a distinct and meaningful moment of connection, reflection, and collective intention.

At a time when the landscape of environmental advocacy is evolving, the Great Mother March brings a renewed expression of care for Mother Earth grounded not in urgency alone, but in relationship, presence, and shared experience.

The March is a walking pilgrimage honoring Mother Earth, the feminine principle, and the interconnection between humanity and the natural world. Participants have journeyed together through small, rural communities, feeling welcomed, supported and inspired by each one. The Monks’ Walk for Peace affirmed the call Whitney Freya felt in December 2024 to create The Great Mother March & inspired the community’s participation.

The Earth Day arrival invites the public into a culminating gathering centered on creativity, community, and reverence for life. Programming on the Mall will include guided reflection, creative expression, and community connection, alongside contributions from spiritual leaders, artists, and advocates. Amanda Hendker Voss, minister of First Congregational Church D.C., will offer remarks, bringing a faith-based perspective on stewardship, care, and collective responsibility.

More than a traditional event, the Great Mother March reflects a broader cultural shift toward relational living where the Earth is not viewed as a resource, but as a living system we belong to and care for.

“What we’re witnessing is the power of community.  On the March, we have experienced connection with people met at diners and gas stations, each one honored and echoed the desire to return to an environment of mutual respect and cooperation,” said the Founder, Whitney Freya.

In a time of increasing environmental urgency and social fragmentation, the Great Mother March offers a grounded and hopeful expression of what becomes possible when people come together in reverence, creativity, and shared purpose.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Location: National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Occasion: Earth Day Arrival of the Great Mother March
Learn More: https://www.greatmothermarch.com/home-1

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/great-mother-march-completes-32-day-walk-of-love-arrives-on-national-mall-as-only-earth-day-gathering-302749244.html

SOURCE Great Mother March

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On Earth Day, the Great Mother March will arrive on the National Mall, completing a 32-day walking pilgrimage from Asheville, North Carolina. The gathering stands as the only Earth Day event taking place on the National Mall this year, offering a distinct and meaningful moment of connection, reflection, and collective intention.

At a time when the landscape of environmental advocacy is evolving, the Great Mother March brings a renewed expression of care for Mother Earth grounded not in urgency alone, but in relationship, presence, and shared experience.

The March is a walking pilgrimage honoring Mother Earth, the feminine principle, and the interconnection between humanity and the natural world. Participants have journeyed together through small, rural communities, feeling welcomed, supported and inspired by each one. The Monks’ Walk for Peace affirmed the call Whitney Freya felt in December 2024 to create The Great Mother March & inspired the community’s participation.

The Earth Day arrival invites the public into a culminating gathering centered on creativity, community, and reverence for life. Programming on the Mall will include guided reflection, creative expression, and community connection, alongside contributions from spiritual leaders, artists, and advocates. Amanda Hendker Voss, minister of First Congregational Church D.C., will offer remarks, bringing a faith-based perspective on stewardship, care, and collective responsibility.

More than a traditional event, the Great Mother March reflects a broader cultural shift toward relational living where the Earth is not viewed as a resource, but as a living system we belong to and care for.

“What we’re witnessing is the power of community.  On the March, we have experienced connection with people met at diners and gas stations, each one honored and echoed the desire to return to an environment of mutual respect and cooperation,” said the Founder, Whitney Freya.

In a time of increasing environmental urgency and social fragmentation, the Great Mother March offers a grounded and hopeful expression of what becomes possible when people come together in reverence, creativity, and shared purpose.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Location: National Mall, Washington, D.C.
Occasion: Earth Day Arrival of the Great Mother March
Learn More: https://www.greatmothermarch.com/home-1

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/great-mother-march-completes-32-day-walk-of-love-arrives-on-national-mall-as-only-earth-day-gathering-302749244.html

SOURCE Great Mother March

10 Individuals and Organizations Honored for Work on Behalf of People with Developmental Disabilities

EDITOR/REPORTER NOTE: Additional photos are available upon request.

SANTA ANA, Calif., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) honored 10 individuals and organizations at its 29th annual Spotlight Awards, April 17, 2026 in Garden Grove. Guest-hosted by Orange County Bureau Chief and reporter Michele Gile of CBS Los Angeles, the event was introduced by RCOC Board Chair Sandy Martin. Special guests included Pete Cervinka, Director of the State of California’s Department of Developmental Services and Yang Lee, its Chief Deputy Director.

RCOC created the Spotlight Awards in 1997 to honor those in Orange County who have advanced the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. The 2026 Regional Center of Orange County Spotlight Award recipients are:

• Parent/Family Member: Evelyn Rodriguez, of Hawaiian Gardens
• RCOC Achievement: Jennifer Kennedy, of Cypress; Area Manager, Regional Center of Orange County, Cypress Office
• Direct Support Professional: Martha England, of Fullerton; Job Coach, Westview Services in Anaheim
• Community Partner: Serving Advantage Adaptive Tennis, of Orange
• Healthcare Professional: Eric Doran; Research Manager, UCI Center for Aging Research in Down Syndrome
• Employer: Orange County Fire Authority, of Irvine
• Self-Advocate: John Correa, of Costa Mesa
• Lifetime Achievement: Stuart Haskin; Founder and Executive Director, Get Safe, in Tustin
• Service Provider: Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center of Santa Ana, Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami, Founder and Executive Director
• E. Kurt Yeager Award (for service leadership): Meena Chockalingam, of Irvine; Board Member, Jeena

About Regional Center of Orange County: Regional Center of Orange County is the private, nonprofit organization contracted by the State of California to coordinate lifelong services and supports for more than 29,000 Orange County residents with developmental disabilities and their families. The Regional Center is the first stop for those seeking to obtain local services and supports to help them live safely and with dignity in the community. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Learn more at www.rcocdd.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/regional-center-of-orange-county-announces-2026-spotlight-award-honorees-302749154.html

SOURCE Regional Center of Orange County

With the EPA fast-tracking a new fluoride toxicity review and states banning fluoridation, SoftPro Fluoride Filter is emerging as the whole-house solution U.S. households are seeking.

BOX ELDER, S.D., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From South Dakota to Florida, Texas, and California, one question is surfacing in homes and federal courtrooms alike: Is the fluoride in America’s drinking water safe?

A National Reckoning on Fluoride

In January 2026, the EPA released its Fluoride Human Health Toxicity Assessment Preliminary Plan under the Safe Drinking Water Act — evaluating fluoride’s links to decreased IQ in children, dental fluorosis, skeletal damage, and endocrine disruption. A federal judge had already ordered the EPA to address fluoride’s risk to children’s cognitive development following a National Toxicology Program study linking high fluoride levels to lower IQ scores.

The science is contested. A November 2025 study in Science Advances found children exposed to fluoride at the recommended 0.7 mg/L level performed better on cognitive tests than unexposed peers. Meanwhile, a March 2026 CareQuest Institute analysis warned that fluoridation bans across five states could send 132,000 additional children to dental treatment, adding $40 million to Medicaid costs.

What Is a Fluoride Filter?

A whole house fluoride filter is installed at a home’s main water line, treating every drop before it reaches any tap or appliance. The most effective systems pair bone char carbon — which targets fluoride ions — with catalytic carbon, which removes chloramines, chlorine, VOCs, heavy metals, pesticides, PFAS (forever chemicals), and pharmaceutical byproducts.

SoftPro Fluoride Filter: Built for Every American Home

The SoftPro Fluoride Filter combines 1.0 cu. ft. of catalytic carbon with 0.5 cu. ft. of bone char carbon in a single upflow tank — delivering whole-house filtration for up to six bathrooms, rated for 600,000 to 1,000,000 gallons with zero electricity, salt, or daily maintenance. It carries NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF 372 certifications and is backed by a six-month money-back guarantee and lifetime limited warranty.

PFAS: The Forever Chemical Crisis

Fluoride isn’t America’s only water threat. The USGS estimates 45% of U.S. tap water contains PFAS — synthetic chemicals linked to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune disruption, now detected in all 50 states. The EPA set the first-ever federal PFAS limits in 2024, with PFOA and PFOS capped at 4 parts per trillion. SoftPro’s catalytic carbon media adsorbs PFAS at the point of entry — a critical defense where municipal plants often fall short.

About SoftPro Water Systems

SoftPro Water Systems is a family-owned American water treatment brand founded by Craig “The Water Guy” Phillips, with 30+ years serving U.S. homes and businesses. Products include fluoride filters, water softeners, iron filters, and UV sterilization — all backed by a lifetime warranty and the WISDOM Water Intelligence System.

Contact:
***@softprowatersystems.com

Photo(s):
https://www.prlog.org/13138829

Press release distributed by PRLog

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/as-fluoride-debate-grips-the-nation-americans-turn-to-whole-house-fluoride-filters-for-answers-302749053.html

SOURCE SoftPro Water Systems

GAINESVILLE, Fla., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meteor Education is proud to announce a new partnership with the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), joining NC3’s network of industry partners to help expand access to industry-recognized certifications to the secondary education market.

NC3 is the national leader in advancing career and technical education (CTE) through strong partnerships between education providers and industry. With a network of more than 2,000 education institutions and organizations, NC3 has supported 430,000+ students and delivered more than one million industry-driven, stackable certifications aligned to national skills standards.

Through this partnership, Meteor Education will play a unique role in extending NC3’s certification delivery into the secondary school market. By partnering directly with NC3 to expand professional development, Meteor Education will now support secondary schools in implementing and delivering select Festo certifications that employers value and recognize.

This approach helps bridge a critical gap between access to hands-on learning experiences and career readiness requirements, enabling districts to more effectively build and sustain high-quality, career-connected learning pathways that are grounded in their local economies.

“We’re seeing a clear shift, schools are being asked to deliver outcomes that extend well beyond the classroom,” said Bill Latham, CEO of Meteor Education. “What we hear consistently from our customers is that the difference between offering industry certifications and delivering them well comes down to how prepared and supported their instructors are. Schools want to do this right, and they need partners who can equip their educators at a high level. NC3 is head and shoulders above in this regard. Their commitment to training, preparation, and ongoing support for instructors is unmatched and gives schools the confidence to deliver certifications with real rigor and integrity. We’re privileged to be working with NC3 and excited to join them in this work.”

Meteor Education’s model of embedding expert educators into school systems will allow NC3 certifications to be delivered with greater consistency and scalability across the secondary market – supporting both instructors and students in achieving stronger outcomes.

“NC3 is thrilled to partner with Meteor Education to expand access to STEM, manufacturing, and automation certifications across the secondary education system. Additionally, their expertise in designing engaging and functional learning environments will be a tremendous asset to our network of schools,” said Craig Foucht, NC3 Director of Development. “Together, we’re empowering the next generation of learners with the skills, spaces, and certifications they need to succeed in the modern workforce.”

Together, Meteor Education and NC3 are strengthening the connection between education and industry by expanding access to high-quality certifications, supporting educators, and helping students gain the skills and credentials needed for college and career success, while contributing to the growth and vitality of their local economy.

Learn more about NC3 at nc3.net.
Learn more about Meteor Education at meteoreducation.com.

About Meteor Education
Meteor Education is the leader in the design and delivery of collaborative, flexible learning environments that accelerate student engagement. As part of our full-service approach, Meteor’s local teams, educator experts and design specialists partner closely with each school district to create social classrooms and other custom spaces that empower educators to develop future-ready students. We provide training to teachers to help maximize the positive effect of each environment and tools so districts can measure the impact on student learning and the overall value provided to their community. Meteor has helped thousands of schools improve their learning settings for more than 30 years. Over the past five years we partnered with 1,800+ districts across the US to impact the educational experience of more than 3.2 million students.

About NC3
The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) is a driving force in connecting education to industry through innovative training and certification programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. As part of its comprehensive approach, NC3 partners with educators, administrators, and industry experts to design hands-on learning environments that reflect real-world workforce needs. Through instructor training, industry-recognized certifications, and program development support, NC3 empowers institutions to deliver relevant, skills-based education that drives student success. NC3 also provides the tools and resources needed to ensure program quality and measurable outcomes for both students and communities. With a growing national network of education and industry partners, NC3 has helped hundreds of institutions strengthen their programs and expand opportunities for thousands of students across the country.

Media Contact:
Chelsea Adicks
Director, Brand & Communications
800-699-7516
cadicks@meteoreducation.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meteor-education-joins-nc3-industry-partner-network-to-expand-access-to-industry-recognized-certifications-in-secondary-schools-302748984.html

SOURCE Meteor Education

GAINESVILLE, Fla., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meteor Education is proud to announce a new partnership with the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), joining NC3’s network of industry partners to help expand access to industry-recognized certifications to the secondary education market.

NC3 is the national leader in advancing career and technical education (CTE) through strong partnerships between education providers and industry. With a network of more than 2,000 education institutions and organizations, NC3 has supported 430,000+ students and delivered more than one million industry-driven, stackable certifications aligned to national skills standards.

Through this partnership, Meteor Education will play a unique role in extending NC3’s certification delivery into the secondary school market. By partnering directly with NC3 to expand professional development, Meteor Education will now support secondary schools in implementing and delivering select Festo certifications that employers value and recognize.

This approach helps bridge a critical gap between access to hands-on learning experiences and career readiness requirements, enabling districts to more effectively build and sustain high-quality, career-connected learning pathways that are grounded in their local economies.

“We’re seeing a clear shift, schools are being asked to deliver outcomes that extend well beyond the classroom,” said Bill Latham, CEO of Meteor Education. “What we hear consistently from our customers is that the difference between offering industry certifications and delivering them well comes down to how prepared and supported their instructors are. Schools want to do this right, and they need partners who can equip their educators at a high level. NC3 is head and shoulders above in this regard. Their commitment to training, preparation, and ongoing support for instructors is unmatched and gives schools the confidence to deliver certifications with real rigor and integrity. We’re privileged to be working with NC3 and excited to join them in this work.”

Meteor Education’s model of embedding expert educators into school systems will allow NC3 certifications to be delivered with greater consistency and scalability across the secondary market – supporting both instructors and students in achieving stronger outcomes.

“NC3 is thrilled to partner with Meteor Education to expand access to STEM, manufacturing, and automation certifications across the secondary education system. Additionally, their expertise in designing engaging and functional learning environments will be a tremendous asset to our network of schools,” said Craig Foucht, NC3 Director of Development. “Together, we’re empowering the next generation of learners with the skills, spaces, and certifications they need to succeed in the modern workforce.”

Together, Meteor Education and NC3 are strengthening the connection between education and industry by expanding access to high-quality certifications, supporting educators, and helping students gain the skills and credentials needed for college and career success, while contributing to the growth and vitality of their local economy.

Learn more about NC3 at nc3.net.
Learn more about Meteor Education at meteoreducation.com.

About Meteor Education
Meteor Education is the leader in the design and delivery of collaborative, flexible learning environments that accelerate student engagement. As part of our full-service approach, Meteor’s local teams, educator experts and design specialists partner closely with each school district to create social classrooms and other custom spaces that empower educators to develop future-ready students. We provide training to teachers to help maximize the positive effect of each environment and tools so districts can measure the impact on student learning and the overall value provided to their community. Meteor has helped thousands of schools improve their learning settings for more than 30 years. Over the past five years we partnered with 1,800+ districts across the US to impact the educational experience of more than 3.2 million students.

About NC3
The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) is a driving force in connecting education to industry through innovative training and certification programs that prepare students for high-demand careers. As part of its comprehensive approach, NC3 partners with educators, administrators, and industry experts to design hands-on learning environments that reflect real-world workforce needs. Through instructor training, industry-recognized certifications, and program development support, NC3 empowers institutions to deliver relevant, skills-based education that drives student success. NC3 also provides the tools and resources needed to ensure program quality and measurable outcomes for both students and communities. With a growing national network of education and industry partners, NC3 has helped hundreds of institutions strengthen their programs and expand opportunities for thousands of students across the country.

Media Contact:
Chelsea Adicks
Director, Brand & Communications
800-699-7516
cadicks@meteoreducation.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meteor-education-joins-nc3-industry-partner-network-to-expand-access-to-industry-recognized-certifications-in-secondary-schools-302748984.html

SOURCE Meteor Education