KIA AMERICA POSTS HIGHEST EVER ANNUAL SALES IN COMPANY HISTORY

Sets All-Time Annual Sales Record for Third Consecutive Year

  • 852,155 total units in 2025 marks Kia’s best-ever annual sales, increasing 7-percent over previous record set in 2024
  • Retail sales through Kia dealers sets new record – increasing 5-percent over previous high in 2024 –
  • marking eight consecutive years of growth
  • Carnival, Sportage, Telluride, and K4 each post best-ever annual sales
  • Sales of all electrified models and SUVs post record breaking annual totals

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kia America posted total sales of 852,155 units in 2025, surpassing the 800,000 mark for the first time in company history and representing a 7 percent increase over 2024. This is the third consecutive year Kia has set a new all-time annual sales record. In addition, retail sales through Kia dealers have grown for eight consecutive years, increasing 5 percent year-over-year and reaching an all-time high for the sixth consecutive year. This marks the brand’s highest-ever U.S. market share, underscoring continued consumer demand for Kia’s diverse model lineup.

Four Kia models – Carnival (+44 percent); Sportage (+13 percent); Telluride (+7 percent); and K4 (+1 percent) – posted best-ever annual sales totals, with the Sportage SUV delivering the all-time best annual performance by a Kia model. Sales of Kia’s electrified models (+24 percent) and SUVs (+5 percent) set new annual sales records with sales of Kia sedans increasing (+13 percent) year-over-year, illustrating the ongoing popularity of the brand’s world-class model lineup.

“Our third consecutive all-time annual sales record, coupled with our highest-ever U.S. market share, are clear indicators of the strength of the Kia brand and the competitiveness of our models,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia North America and Kia America. “And with the second-generation Telluride and the highly anticipated K4 hatchback arriving in showrooms in the first quarter, and more new products on the way, we expect this positive momentum to continue into the New Year and beyond.”

In addition to the monthly sales performance, Kia America also made additional announcements, including:

  • The upcoming 2027 Kia Telluride was named among Newsweek Magazine’s 2026 Most Anticipated New Vehicles in U.S. market. The annual list highlights vehicles that Newsweek’s Autos editorial team expects will generate strong interest based on local market conditions and the roster of new models coming to market.
  • The 2026 Kia Sorento was awarded the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest safety rating, the 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) designation, for models built after September 2025. This award brings the number of Kia vehicles earning a TSP+ recognition in 2025 to five, each of which was tested under the IIHS’s most rigorous testing protocols to date. The Kia models that have earned a 2025 IIHS TSP+ rating are:  
    • 2026 Sorento (models built after September 2025)
    • 2026 Sportage (models built after May 2025)
    • 2025 K4 (models built after January 2025)
    • 2025 EV9
    • 2025 Telluride

MONTH OF DECEMBER

FULL-YEAR

Model

2025

2024

2025

2024

EV9

1,019

1,951

15,051

22,017

EV6

745

2,111

12,933

21,715

K4/Forte

13,595

11,911

140,514

139,778

K5

6,109

5,639

72,751

46,311

Soul

2,454

3,650

50,133

52,397

Niro

3,145

1,792

31,182

30,094

Seltos

4,825

3,737

56,798

59,958

Sportage

16,869

15,427

182,823

161,917

Sorento

7,339

9,432

94,772

95,154

Telluride

12,158

12,488

123,281

115,504

Carnival

6,745

5,165

71,917

49,726

Total

75,003

73,303

852,155

796,488

Note: 2024 Total sales includes 1,917 Rio models not shown in separate rows.

Kia America – about us  

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several SUVs proudly assembled in America*. 

For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert 

* Select trims of the all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 

 

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SOURCE Kia America

Planet Classroom Presents Daniel Kammen’s Clean-Energy Plan: Fast, Fair, Reliable

Johns Hopkins climate expert on cutting fossil subsidies, speeding grid permits, and using batteries—the “glue” of a smart, clean grid.

NEW YORK, Jan. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Planet Classroom, in association with the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement, premieres a new episode of its educator-acclaimed, youth-produced Net Zero Speaks series: “Net Zero Speaks with Daniel Kammen.” Hosted by Ricardo Delgado Lander and edited/produced by Fabian Sanchez, the episode delivers a clear, 10-minute roadmap for reliable, affordable, justice-focused clean energy that audiences can act on today.

 

Watch on YouTube (what you’ll learn fast):

  • Fix the grid now: Why fossil subsidies still slow clean power—and how smarter interconnection & permitting speeds projects.
  • Batteries = reliability: Why Kammen calls batteries the “glue of the smart grid,” enabling EV smart charging and fewer blackouts.
  • Clinic power that scales: How solar + storage models keep health facilities running and save lives.
  • Real benefits you can measure: Track jobs, cleaner air, and bill savings so communities see—and support—projects.
  • What to do this week: Choose clean transport, evaluate home/business solar + storage, and tell policymakers you want clean-energy rules.

About our guest: Daniel M. Kammen is the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of the Just Energy Transition at Johns Hopkins University, a longtime IPCC Coordinating Lead Author, member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and an advisor to the United Nations and national governments on clean-energy policy and deployment.

🎬 Watch Net Zero Speaks with Daniel Kammen on Planet Classroom’s YouTube channel

About Net Zero Speaks
Net Zero Speaks is Planet Classroom the the Protect Our Planet Movement’s youth-created, youth-produced video series featuring the top leading scientists and innovators on practical climate solutions—widely used and acclaimed by educators worldwide for turning complex ideas into actionable steps.

About the Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement
The Protect Our Planet (POP) Movement mobilizes youth worldwide to take collective climate action aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, advancing solutions that mitigate climate change and protect ecosystems.

The Planet Classroom Network, produced by CMRubinWorld, brings together creators, youth, and thought leaders to explore urgent issues through original series including Net Zero Speaks, Problem Solvers, and AI for a Better World—made for and with youth and distributed on global learning channels.

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SOURCE Planet Classroom Network

Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium Announces Successful Selection of Its Regional Tech Hub Component Projects to Advance to Stage II for U.S. EDA Final Funding Consideration

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC) is pleased to announce that all five of its component projects submitted as part of the 2025 Regional Technology Innovation Tech Hub Program have been selected by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to proceed to the final Stage II competition for award.

The IAEC pulled together a regional team in Idaho and Wyoming to establish the Intermountain West Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC). The INEC Tech Hub was one of only 31 regional Tech Hubs selected by the EDA in 2023, and INEC was one of only 19 of those 31 regional Tech Hubs that was invited to submit proposals under this most recent Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Christi Gilchrist, the Executive Director of the IAEC, states, “With the support of the EDA, the INEC Tech Hub is positioned as America’s premier nuclear demonstration site. This advancement secures the nation’s future in energy production, economic competitiveness, and national security.”

The INEC Stage I proposal to the EDA was submitted in November 2025 and consists of the following five major component projects:

  • Accelerating Advanced Reactor Deployment
  • Modernizing Fuel Management
  • Growing the Nuclear Workforce
  • Reinvigorating the Nuclear Supply Chain
  • Scaling Americas Nuclear Innovation

The total funding being requested by the INEC Tech Hub under this NOFO is approximately $75 million dollars to support deployment of these five component projects over the next 5 years. The EDA completed a technical and merit review of the INEC Stage I application and EDA notified IAEC in December that its proposal had successfully passed the Stage I review and was invited to submit a stage II proposal in February 2026.  The EDA is expected to complete stage II grant application reviews and make awards sometime during the spring of 2026.

Kirt Marlow, President of the IAEC noted “This advancement reflects the strength of our public-private partnerships and our consortium’s ability to deliver on ambitious goals. We’re grateful for the EDA’s confidence and eager to demonstrate how strategic investment in our Tech Hub will accelerate America’s energy transition”.

About Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium

IAEC was formed in 2023 to convene energy industry stakeholders to address opportunities for advancements in nuclear and other advanced energy systems. IAEC’s  focus is supporting the deployment of clean energy technologies such as enhanced electrolysis for bulk hydrogen production, new generation efficiencies in hydropower, and commercializing advanced nuclear technologies including small modular reactors and microreactors. For more information about IAEC go to https://idahoadvancedenergy.org/

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SOURCE Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium

Zero Homes Announces Statewide Expansion To Help Colorado Homeowners Access Home Energy Rebates and Install High-Efficiency Heat Pumps

DENVER, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zero Homes today announced that it is now serving homeowners throughout the entire state of Colorado to help them navigate and access the newly launched Colorado Home Energy Rebate Program and install energy-efficient heat pump systems that lower energy costs and improve home comfort.

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO), in partnership with the Polis Administration, recently launched the state’s Home Energy Rebate Program — a consumer-facing initiative supported by federal funding that provides up to $14,000 in rebates per eligible household for energy-saving home improvements. These rebates are designed to make electrification and efficiency upgrades more affordable for Coloradans, including cold-climate and standard heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, air sealing, electrical panel upgrades, and more. 

“Coloradans want access to clean-energy technology to save money, and these rebates will help accomplish that,” said Governor Jared Polis upon the program’s launch. “These rebates can help more Coloradans make a variety of home upgrades that will bring down energy costs and provide more efficient home heating and cooling.” 

Zero Homes‘ statewide expansion ensures that homeowners — from major urban centers to rural mountain towns — can confidently understand their eligibility, navigate the rebate process, and complete professional installations with registered contractors.

Key Ways Zero Homes Supports Homeowners:

  • Statewide Remote Delivery: Zero Homes now assists homeowners in every Colorado county by leveraging its remote quoting platform to design proper systems, schedule with local contractors, and provide quality assurance through the install process. Colorado Energy Office
  • Rebate guidance and support: From verifying income eligibility under the program’s tiers (including 80% and 150% Area Median Income levels) to guiding homeowners through the application steps, Zero Homes simplifies access to savings. Colorado Energy Office
  • Heat pump installations: Zero Homes facilitates heat pump system installations — including cold-climate and ductless options — that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve year-round home comfort. Colorado Energy Office
  • Maximizing incentives: Zero Homes helps homeowners combine the Home Energy Rebate Program with other utility incentives, state tax credits, and federal benefits to maximize savings and reduce project costs.

The Home Energy Rebate Program includes two rebate tracks: the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) for high-efficiency electric appliances and upgrades now available to eligible single-family homes and small multifamily buildings, and the Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) for whole-home improvements that will be launched for manufactured/mobile homes and large multifamily buildings. Rebates are delivered through a network of registered contractors and are applied as discounts on qualified projects. Colorado Energy Office

“Colorado’s new Home Energy Rebate Program is one of the most significant opportunities for homeowners to improve their homes, cut energy cost and emissions, and adopt cleaner technologies,” said [Zero Homes spokesperson]. “Zero Homes is committed to making this process as straightforward as possible — from understanding eligibility to completing installation — for homeowners no matter where they live in the state.”

Heat pumps installed through the program can qualify for up to $8,000 for cold-climate heat pumps and up to $3,000 for standard heat pump systems toward the total rebate cap of $14,000 per household, with additional rebate opportunities for water heaters, air sealing, and electrical upgrades. Colorado Energy Office

About Zero Homes
Zero Homes is a Denver-based startup building the next generation of digital tools for home electrification. By combining remote home modeling with streamlined contractor coordination, Zero Homes accelerates the design and deployment of heat pump, electric water heater, and whole-home electrification upgrades — helping homeowners reduce emissions, lower utility costs, and embrace a clean energy future.

Media Contact:
Zero Homes
Email: hello@zerohomes.io
Phone: 303-848-8606
Website: www.zerohomes.io

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SOURCE Zero Homes

Zero Homes Announces Statewide Expansion To Help Colorado Homeowners Access Home Energy Rebates and Install High-Efficiency Heat Pumps

DENVER, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zero Homes today announced that it is now serving homeowners throughout the entire state of Colorado to help them navigate and access the newly launched Colorado Home Energy Rebate Program and install energy-efficient heat pump systems that lower energy costs and improve home comfort.

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO), in partnership with the Polis Administration, recently launched the state’s Home Energy Rebate Program — a consumer-facing initiative supported by federal funding that provides up to $14,000 in rebates per eligible household for energy-saving home improvements. These rebates are designed to make electrification and efficiency upgrades more affordable for Coloradans, including cold-climate and standard heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, air sealing, electrical panel upgrades, and more. 

“Coloradans want access to clean-energy technology to save money, and these rebates will help accomplish that,” said Governor Jared Polis upon the program’s launch. “These rebates can help more Coloradans make a variety of home upgrades that will bring down energy costs and provide more efficient home heating and cooling.” 

Zero Homes‘ statewide expansion ensures that homeowners — from major urban centers to rural mountain towns — can confidently understand their eligibility, navigate the rebate process, and complete professional installations with registered contractors.

Key Ways Zero Homes Supports Homeowners:

  • Statewide Remote Delivery: Zero Homes now assists homeowners in every Colorado county by leveraging its remote quoting platform to design proper systems, schedule with local contractors, and provide quality assurance through the install process. Colorado Energy Office
  • Rebate guidance and support: From verifying income eligibility under the program’s tiers (including 80% and 150% Area Median Income levels) to guiding homeowners through the application steps, Zero Homes simplifies access to savings. Colorado Energy Office
  • Heat pump installations: Zero Homes facilitates heat pump system installations — including cold-climate and ductless options — that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve year-round home comfort. Colorado Energy Office
  • Maximizing incentives: Zero Homes helps homeowners combine the Home Energy Rebate Program with other utility incentives, state tax credits, and federal benefits to maximize savings and reduce project costs.

The Home Energy Rebate Program includes two rebate tracks: the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) for high-efficiency electric appliances and upgrades now available to eligible single-family homes and small multifamily buildings, and the Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) for whole-home improvements that will be launched for manufactured/mobile homes and large multifamily buildings. Rebates are delivered through a network of registered contractors and are applied as discounts on qualified projects. Colorado Energy Office

“Colorado’s new Home Energy Rebate Program is one of the most significant opportunities for homeowners to improve their homes, cut energy cost and emissions, and adopt cleaner technologies,” said [Zero Homes spokesperson]. “Zero Homes is committed to making this process as straightforward as possible — from understanding eligibility to completing installation — for homeowners no matter where they live in the state.”

Heat pumps installed through the program can qualify for up to $8,000 for cold-climate heat pumps and up to $3,000 for standard heat pump systems toward the total rebate cap of $14,000 per household, with additional rebate opportunities for water heaters, air sealing, and electrical upgrades. Colorado Energy Office

About Zero Homes
Zero Homes is a Denver-based startup building the next generation of digital tools for home electrification. By combining remote home modeling with streamlined contractor coordination, Zero Homes accelerates the design and deployment of heat pump, electric water heater, and whole-home electrification upgrades — helping homeowners reduce emissions, lower utility costs, and embrace a clean energy future.

Media Contact:
Zero Homes
Email: hello@zerohomes.io
Phone: 303-848-8606
Website: www.zerohomes.io

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SOURCE Zero Homes

Zero Homes Announces Statewide Expansion To Help Colorado Homeowners Access Home Energy Rebates and Install High-Efficiency Heat Pumps

DENVER, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zero Homes today announced that it is now serving homeowners throughout the entire state of Colorado to help them navigate and access the newly launched Colorado Home Energy Rebate Program and install energy-efficient heat pump systems that lower energy costs and improve home comfort.

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO), in partnership with the Polis Administration, recently launched the state’s Home Energy Rebate Program — a consumer-facing initiative supported by federal funding that provides up to $14,000 in rebates per eligible household for energy-saving home improvements. These rebates are designed to make electrification and efficiency upgrades more affordable for Coloradans, including cold-climate and standard heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, air sealing, electrical panel upgrades, and more. 

“Coloradans want access to clean-energy technology to save money, and these rebates will help accomplish that,” said Governor Jared Polis upon the program’s launch. “These rebates can help more Coloradans make a variety of home upgrades that will bring down energy costs and provide more efficient home heating and cooling.” 

Zero Homes‘ statewide expansion ensures that homeowners — from major urban centers to rural mountain towns — can confidently understand their eligibility, navigate the rebate process, and complete professional installations with registered contractors.

Key Ways Zero Homes Supports Homeowners:

  • Statewide Remote Delivery: Zero Homes now assists homeowners in every Colorado county by leveraging its remote quoting platform to design proper systems, schedule with local contractors, and provide quality assurance through the install process. Colorado Energy Office
  • Rebate guidance and support: From verifying income eligibility under the program’s tiers (including 80% and 150% Area Median Income levels) to guiding homeowners through the application steps, Zero Homes simplifies access to savings. Colorado Energy Office
  • Heat pump installations: Zero Homes facilitates heat pump system installations — including cold-climate and ductless options — that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve year-round home comfort. Colorado Energy Office
  • Maximizing incentives: Zero Homes helps homeowners combine the Home Energy Rebate Program with other utility incentives, state tax credits, and federal benefits to maximize savings and reduce project costs.

The Home Energy Rebate Program includes two rebate tracks: the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) for high-efficiency electric appliances and upgrades now available to eligible single-family homes and small multifamily buildings, and the Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) for whole-home improvements that will be launched for manufactured/mobile homes and large multifamily buildings. Rebates are delivered through a network of registered contractors and are applied as discounts on qualified projects. Colorado Energy Office

“Colorado’s new Home Energy Rebate Program is one of the most significant opportunities for homeowners to improve their homes, cut energy cost and emissions, and adopt cleaner technologies,” said [Zero Homes spokesperson]. “Zero Homes is committed to making this process as straightforward as possible — from understanding eligibility to completing installation — for homeowners no matter where they live in the state.”

Heat pumps installed through the program can qualify for up to $8,000 for cold-climate heat pumps and up to $3,000 for standard heat pump systems toward the total rebate cap of $14,000 per household, with additional rebate opportunities for water heaters, air sealing, and electrical upgrades. Colorado Energy Office

About Zero Homes
Zero Homes is a Denver-based startup building the next generation of digital tools for home electrification. By combining remote home modeling with streamlined contractor coordination, Zero Homes accelerates the design and deployment of heat pump, electric water heater, and whole-home electrification upgrades — helping homeowners reduce emissions, lower utility costs, and embrace a clean energy future.

Media Contact:
Zero Homes
Email: hello@zerohomes.io
Phone: 303-848-8606
Website: www.zerohomes.io

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SOURCE Zero Homes

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers’ New Year’s Eve Uber Credit Program Helps Southeastern Louisiana Residents Get Home Safely

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its New Year’s Eve Uber Credit Giveaway, a community safety initiative that pledged $10,000 in Uber credits to New Orleans residents celebrating the holiday.

The program offered up to $20 per person in Uber credit for rides taken between December 31 at 5 p.m. and January 1 at 10 a.m. within fifty miles of the Caesars Superdome. Throughout the night, credits were quickly claimed as residents took advantage of a safe and reliable way to get home.

“Our goal was simple: help people get home safely on one of the busiest nights of the year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of the firm. “Seeing the community use this program the way it was intended shows just how important initiatives like this are.”

The giveaway has become an annual effort by the firm to reduce impaired driving and promote responsible celebrations. By removing the cost barrier for transportation, the program encouraged safer choices and helped keep local roads safer during peak New Year’s Eve hours.

“This initiative is about prevention,” Vicknair added, “If even one accident was avoided because someone chose a free ride instead of driving, then the impact is real and meaningful.”

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers extends its thanks to everyone who participated and helped spread the word. The firm remains committed to supporting community safety initiatives that make a measurable difference for Louisiana families.

About Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers
Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is a Louisiana-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal-winning strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs. They are committed to providing exceptional legal services, utilizing significant resources, and relentlessly advocating for their clients to achieve the best possible outcomes.

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SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

FedEx Singapore and Zero Waste SG Launch ‘Sort It Out’ Campaign To Boost Community Recycling

SINGAPORE, January 2, 2026 /3BL/ – Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has collaborated with non-profit Zero Waste Singapore to launch the Sort It Out (SIO) campaign. The initiative encourages households to recycle more effectively and promotes a culture of mindful consumption.

Support from FedEx has helped fund the rollout of educational materials and neighbourhood outreach activities, resulting in the establishment of a new Recycling Hub equipped with smart multi-stream bins. The campaign also introduced the Zero Waste Marketplace, which offers pre-loved clothes, books, snacks, and handcrafted goods made from recycled materials to promote affordable and sustainable living.

On 16 August, 16 FedEx volunteers joined Zero Waste SG for door-to-door surveys in Queenstown residential area. They shared educational resources on proper recycling and gathered insights into residents’ recycling habits. To date, the campaign has reached more than 1,200 households.

Since the opening of the new Recycling Hub in Queenstown, over 3 tonnes of recyclables have been collected from residents with a contamination rate below 5% — a marked improvement compared to general recycling averages. A lower contamination rate means recyclables are cleaner and of higher quality, reducing waste sent to landfills.

The SIO campaign builds on Zero Waste SG’s earlier Let’s Recycle Together programme, which introduced residents to source segregated recycling as a viable alternative to tackle the low national recycling rate. By encouraging residents to sort recyclables at the source, the initiative helps practitioners to be waste-conscious, increasing their awareness of the waste they produce and inculcating a new habit that has shown to successfully reduce contamination rates in many countries.

These efforts are part of FedEx Cares, the company’s global community engagement programme. Through charitable giving, in-kind shipping, and volunteerism, FedEx continues to make a positive impact on the communities it serves.

Learn more about ongoing community initiatives at fedexcares.com.

About Zero Waste Singapore
Zero Waste Singapore is a non-governmental organisation and Institution of Public Character (IPC) leading the drive towards zero waste in Singapore through education and advocacy. Zero Waste SG has four key focus areas: Single-Use Disposables, Recycling At Source, Food Waste and Circularity Education. Zero Waste SG works with corporates, government, community groups and schools on impactful outreach programmes including campaigns, roadshows, experiential talks and workshops. For more information, visit www.zerowastesg.com.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

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Caring for Caregivers: DaVita’s Investment in Nursing Education and Growth

As chronic disease rates climb[1], the U.S. faces a critical shortage of nurses — creating an urgent need for innovative solutions in healthcare education and workforce development.[2] 

As DaVita marks 25 years of delivering high-quality care, it’s doubling down on a critical area of focus: building clear, supportive career pathways for nurses at every stage — from curious newcomers to seasoned professionals. Nephrology nursing is a highly specialized field, driven by clinicians who form lasting relationships with patients and make a meaningful impact on those living with chronic kidney disease.

“The future of kidney care depends on the nurses we invest in today,” said Kristi Ricord, senior director of nursing services for DaVita. “As the prevalence of chronic illness in the U.S. continues to rise, we’re focused on creating strong, sustainable pathways that equip nurses with the skills, support, and opportunities they need to thrive—and to deliver the high-quality care our patients deserve.”

In a bold step to strengthen nephrology nursing education, DaVita has launched collaborations with Drexel University and Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) to expose aspiring nurses to the specialty through curriculum.

“This collaboration expands access to a critical specialty and equips future nurses with the knowledge to meet the growing demand for kidney care,” said Stacey Rosenberg, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, associate chief nursing administrator at SNHU. “Together, we’re opening doors for students and alumni to explore nephrology nursing and make a lasting impact on patients’ lives.”

These efforts are part of DaVita’s broader strategy to integrate nephrology education into nursing programs nationwide, reaching future nurses early and sparking interest in a specialty that’s both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Building on existing collaborations with Chamberlain University and Western Governors University, DaVita continues to expand its impact in classrooms across the country.

Beyond curriculum, DaVita’s investment in nursing includes scholarships and internship opportunities designed to remove barriers and support academic success. As of July 2025, DaVita has awarded 370 scholarships, contributing nearly $1 million to help aspiring nurses pursue their goals.

A 25-Year Legacy — With a Focus on the Future

DaVita’s partnerships with nursing schools are just one part of a larger strategy to support growth and sustainability in the nephrology workforce. Through programs like Bridge to Your Dreams, DaVita offers financial support and career guidance to eligible teammates pursuing nursing degrees, creating a clear path from frontline care to clinical leadership. Today, more than 2,400 DaVita teammates are enrolled in the program.

Investment in nephrology nurses doesn’t end after school. Recognizing the link between clinician burnout and workforce shortages across broader healthcare, DaVita continues to offer programs that aim to foster long-term growth and fulfillment. This includes a residency program that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world kidney care, helping new nurses build confidence and competence in a supportive environment. For those already in the field, DaVita’s Clinical Ladders program provides nearly 50,000 clinical teammates with structured pathways for advancement — reinforcing a culture of continuous learning and professional development. And to celebrate excellence, DaVita nurses are honored through meaningful recognition programs like the DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurses and the Nightingale Award, a recognition from DaVita, both of which spotlight compassion, dedication, and high-quality care.

Career Reflections

“I started at DaVita as a patient care technician when I was still in nursing school — and never left. I had experienced my own grandmother’s experience with kidney disease, and I felt a deep passion for caring for people who had experiences similar to hers.

“Now, as I reflect on my own career, I know firsthand how powerful it is to work in a culture that fosters growth. The mentorship, the experience, and the pathways I found at DaVita have had an immeasurable impact on where I am today. It’s why I continue to choose DaVita, and it’s why I’m so passionate about how we support nurses — whether they are just starting out or have been caring for patients for years.

“We have the opportunity to help shape the next generation of healthcare by creating pathways and resources for nurses so they can feel fulfilled as they deliver high-quality care — today, tomorrow, and years into the future.”

— Tina Livaudais
Chief Nursing Officer, DaVita

As DaVita continues to invest in the future of nursing, the healthcare provider invites educators, clinicians, and aspiring nurses to join in shaping a healthier tomorrow.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2024/23_0267.htm
[2] https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/nursing-shortage-fact-sheet/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20U.S.%20Bureau,to%20the%20future%20of%20nursing.

 

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Shen Yun: Our Mission of Hope and Cultural Revival Transcends Political Divides

NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In recent days, media outlets have inquired with performing artists, including Shen Yun Performing Arts, as to whether they would withdraw from The Kennedy Center to protest its board renaming the venue to The Trump Kennedy Center.

 

Shen Yun’s mission is to share a message of beauty and hope that unites humanity around wholesome, universal values—values that transcend politics. We are looking forward to our January 7-18 run of shows in our nation’s capital, much as we are with upcoming performances in over 170 venues around the world during our 2026 global tour.

To understand why we continue to perform throughout the free world wherever audiences welcome us, it helps to understand who we are and why we exist.

Shen Yun was founded in New York by Falun Gong practitioners amid horrific persecution in China, where the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has waged a brutal campaign against our faith since 1999. Falun Gong is a Buddhist-based spiritual practice that includes meditation and living by the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance. Once celebrated in China, the practice was later targeted by CCP leaders due to its independence and enormous popularity—100 million people had taken up the practice by 1999. Beijing’s campaign against Falun Gong has included mass arrests, forced labor, torture, death by torture, and even organ harvesting, resulting in thousands of confirmed deaths and millions imprisoned or displaced. This brutality is the latest chapter in over seven decades of CCP rule, which has systematically destroyed China’s authentic cultural and spiritual heritage through campaigns like the Cultural Revolution. 

Our artists know this pain intimately. Friends and loved ones have been tortured and killed for their faith. In fact, almost 100 artists with Shen Yun have immediate family, or themselves, experienced horrific persecution in China. Take our dance instructor Steven Wang: His father died in late 2009 after being severely tortured in prison, all for practicing Falun Gong. While Steven was on stage performing in 2023, his mother was sentenced to four years in prison for the same peaceful beliefs. The CCP has targeted his family because of his work with Shen Yun.

Stories like Steven’s fuel our resolve—they remind us of the courage of millions in China who face CCP tyranny with peaceful defiance and deep faith. 

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of divinely inspired Chinese culture on the global stage and share the true story of China, including the bravery of its people, past and present. We bring a message of hope and inspiration to millions worldwide, fostering unity in a divided era. We believe all people, including those across the United States, deserve this uplifting experience. 

We cannot perform in China; if we tried, our artists would be jailed or worse.

Outside China, Beijing has sought to sabotage our company, pressuring theaters and government leaders around the world to cancel our shows. Death and bomb threats, some of which have been traced back to China, target our headquarters in New York, venues where we perform, and supportive U.S. officials. Chinese agents have been arrested by the U.S. Department of Justice for bribery schemes aimed at triggering investigations or attempts to drum up bad press against us. Even our tour vehicles have been sabotaged, necessitating 24-hour security wherever we go.

Therefore, we cherish every opportunity to perform on stages in the U.S. and throughout the free world, including our nation’s capital. Each performance carries the weight of a civilization nearly lost and the profound honor of reviving it. 

We invite everyone—regardless of political persuasion—to set aside differences and join us. Shen Yun lifts the spirit, celebrates our shared humanity, and reminds us of the divine spark within each person. In these times of strife, it might just help bridge divides and bring us together. 

We hope to see you at one of the more than 170 venues around the world where we will be performing over the next four months. For tickets and more information, visit ShenYun.com. 

About Shen Yun Performing Arts 

Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, founded in New York in 2006. With a mission to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, Shen Yun presents all-new productions each year, featuring world-class dancers, a live orchestra blending East and West, stunning digital backdrops, and handcrafted costumes. Shen Yun tours to over 170 cities across five continents annually, inspiring audiences with stories of beauty, wisdom, and hope. 2026 marks Shen Yun’s 20th anniversary.

 

 


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