AAK’W KWÁAN (JUNEAU), Alaska, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Sealaska Board of Directors approved a $29.7 million spring 2026 distribution to shareholders at its meeting Friday.

The distribution will be issued Thursday, April 16, and includes $3 million in dividends from Sealaska’s business operations, $3.6 million from the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund, and $23.1 million in Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Section 7(j) natural resource revenue sharing funds for shareholders with Class B or C shares.

“Our work is guided by the understanding that everything is connected,” Chairman Richard Rinehart said. “By aligning strong business results with stewardship of our homelands and meaningful investment in our people, we ensure the value we create continues to support our shareholders and our culture for generations.”

In addition to delivering shareholder value, Sealaska continues to invest in environmental stewardship and climate resilience across Southeast Alaska. This summer, Sealaskawill complete the Mendenhall Barrier Project in Juneau, a flood‑mitigation effort designed to protect community infrastructure and surrounding ecosystems from increasing flood risk.

Over the past two years, Sealaska alongside our partners have completed more than 40 land and habitat projects, restoring nearly 10 miles of salmon streams and 4,400 acres of forest lands. These efforts were carried out in collaboration with Tribes, nonprofits, and state and federal agencies, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable land management and ecosystem health.

“Our measure of success extends beyond financial performance,” said President Sarah Dybdahl (Aan Shaawátk’i). “Through strong partnerships and long‑term investments in our lands and communities, we are working to ensure resilience, opportunity and stewardship for future generations.”

The spring distribution builds on Sealaska’s mission to strengthen its people, culture and homelands while supporting sustainable economic growth across the region.

About Sealaska
We are Sealaska, the Alaska Native regional corporation for Southeast Alaska formed under federal law in 1971. With more than 27,000 shareholders of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian background our purpose is to strengthen our people, culture and homelands. We invest in and operate businesses that improve the health of our oceans, maintain healthy homelands in Southeast Alaska, and benefit shareholder communities. Learn more at Sealaska.com

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SOURCE Sealaska

Integrated platform expected to produce one of the lowest carbon intensity fuels in the world.

RUSSELL, Kan., April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PureField Ingredients announced today that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the company’s request to begin permanent geologic sequestration of CO2 from its Russell, Kansas operations. With this approval, PureField is set to launch one of the most advanced integrated food, fuel, and carbon platforms in the United States.

Following final commissioning, PureField will immediately begin carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) operations, unlocking a step-change reduction in emissions and establishing the company as one of the lowest carbon intensity ethanol producers globally.

“This is a defining moment for PureField to meet our commitment to serve Kansas farmers and our customers in the U.S. and around the world,” said Aaron Buettner, CEO of PureField Ingredients. “By combining our advanced, wheat-based feedstock with carbon capture and permanent storage, we are creating a structurally advantaged platform that delivers some of the lowest carbon fuels in the world while simultaneously producing essential food ingredients.”

A Differentiated, Integrated Model
PureField operates a purpose-built, fully integrated system that maximizes the value of every bushel of grain:

  • Kansas-grown wheat is processed into functional ingredients used across a variety of food applications
  • Residual wheat starch is converted into ethanol and animal feed
  • CO2 generated during fermentation is captured and permanently stored underground

This “nothing wasted” model creates multiple value streams from a single input while delivering a structural carbon advantage versus traditional biofuel pathways.

Game-Changing Carbon Advantage
PureField’s differentiated feedstock, derived from residual wheat starch, starts with a significantly lower carbon intensity than conventional biofuels. The addition of CCS further amplifies this advantage:

  • Ethanol pathway positioned among the lowest CI fuels in the market globally

  • Potential to achieve net-zero or net-negative carbon intensity under applicable methodologies
  • Structural advantage driven by the combination of advanced feedstock + CCS

Together, this represents a step-change in both renewable fuels and food ingredient production.

Strengthening U.S. Agriculture and Enabling Future Growth
PureField’s integrated model with CCS creates a platform for continued expansion of U.S. agriculture and manufacturing:

  • Supporting local farmers with a durable demand channel for ~20 million bushels of Kansas wheat and sorghum
  • Producing high-quality functional wheat protein domestically, reducing reliance on imports that currently supply ~70% of U.S. demand

“With CCS in place, PureField will be able to deliver more sustainable products at scale, while reinforcing our commitment to Russell and the surrounding region,” Buettner added. “It strengthens our position as a long-term employer, supports local agriculture, and creates a foundation for continued growth and investment—driven by the dedication and capabilities of our team.”

About PureField Ingredients
PureField Ingredients operates a premier U.S.-based integrated food ingredient and advanced biofuels platform. From its Russell, Kansas facility, the company produces high-quality functional wheat protein ingredients and low-carbon biofuels from U.S.-grown crops. With the addition of carbon capture and sequestration, PureField is establishing a new benchmark for carbon performance across both food and fuel markets.

Media Contact:
Andrea Zarate
785-261-0355
andrea.zarate@purefield.com

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SOURCE PureField Ingredients

Addition of prominent insurance recovery group fuels expansion of the firm’s
national platform in New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta

NEW YORK and NEW JERSEY, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the addition of a nationally recognized 12-lawyer insurance recovery group, Barnes & Thornburg — a national law firm with more than 850 lawyers in 26 markets — significantly expanded the suite of insurance litigation and risk management services that the firm’s Insurance Recovery Group provides to its clients. The group builds on a solid foundation and tradition of the firm exclusively representing policyholders in coverage disputes and adds a strong East Coast presence to its existing Midwest and West Coast footprint.

“This sophisticated group joins us at a pivotal time as we execute on our vision to build on our national areas of strength and provide crucial, market-leading service to our clients,” said Managing Partner Andrew J. Detherage. “This latest acquisition continues our strategic growth and success as a destination for high-level talent.”

The insurance recovery team joins Barnes & Thornburg from Lowenstein Sandler and is led by partner Lynda Bennett, who will serve as co-chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Insurance Recovery Group. Partners Arthur Armstrong, Alexander Brown, Craig Dashiell, Rachel Hudgins, Eric Jesse, Jeremy King, and Heather Weaver round out the East Coast additions along with associates Alexander Corson, Madison Diaz, Michael Kleinman, and Madilynne Lee.

“I’m excited to join Barnes & Thornburg as co-chair of its Insurance Recovery Practice in the firm’s New Jersey and New York offices. I’m especially proud that my team of 11 lawyers and two outstanding assistants have joined me in this next chapter,” said Bennett. “Our team is now strategically based across our East Coast offices in New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, with more growth ahead.”

The group represents corporate policyholders in high-stakes insurance coverage litigation addressing leading edge coverage issues across a wide array of coverage lines. They help clients maximize their insurance assets and have secured billions in recoveries for D&O, RWI, Cyber, Product Liability, Environmental, Construction, Employment, Severe Bodily Injury and all other manner of liability claims. Likewise, Barnes & Thornburg is among a select few national law firms that exclusively represent policyholders and manage risk on behalf of clients.

“Our team is highly effective because we are a known quantity within the insurance industry and we understand how the market works. We have deep relationships with insurance brokers and are respected by our adversaries for being strategic and pragmatic,” said Bennett. We are excited to join Barnes & Thornburg because the combination of our two insurance teams creates a coast-to-coast powerhouse of highly skilled coverage practitioners who will leverage the firm’s national platform to serve our clients wherever they need us.”

Bennett joins fellow co-chairs Lilit Asadourian and Kevin Dreher to guide this new team that now includes 50 insurance lawyers and places them across the country from Los Angeles to New York.

“This team’s industry prowess is an incredible addition and asset for our clients. They are extremely knowledgeable about the global insurance industry and seasoned litigators when it comes to insurance coverage and bad faith matters,” said Litigation Department Chair Randy Brown.

The addition of these 12 lawyers follows Barnes & Thornburg recently adding a 39-lawyer Public Finance and Infrastructure group to its Government Services and Finance practice and the associated opening of three new offices in Baltimore, Denver and Phoenix. With the addition of this insurance recovery team, Barnes & Thornburg has now welcomed 85 lawyers to the firm in 2026.

“We are excited for this powerhouse insurance recovery team to join our East Coast offices, particularly in New Jersey and Philadelphia where we have built a substantial presence since opening in 2022 and continue to scale our regional footprint,” said Michael C. Zogby, managing partner of the firm’s office in New Jersey. “Our new colleagues are not only renowned legal strategists but also proven leaders. Their deep roots in New Jersey and Philadelphia, combined with a prominent national profile, reinforces our commitment to excellence for our clients.”

About the Partners

  • Lynda Bennett (New Jersey/New York) aggressively litigates, negotiates, and resolves complicated disputes on behalf of corporate policyholders. A “Band-1” Chambers-ranked attorney, Lynda has more than 30 years of commercial litigation experience and has secured billions of dollars in insurance recoveries for her clients. Lynda was named one of New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business. Beyond her practice, she is a trailblazer in professional development, having founded her previous firm’s Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) and served as Past President of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association.
  • Arthur Armstrong (Philadelphia) focuses his practice exclusively on representing corporate policyholders in high-stakes insurance recovery matters. He represents privately held and publicly traded companies against primary and excess insurers to secure and maximize coverage under cyber, property, commercial general liability, directors and officers (D&O), errors and omissions (E&O), and other insurance policies. He has extensive experience counseling clients at all stages of an insurance claim life cycle.
  • Alexander Brown (Philadelphia) represents corporate policyholders in high-stakes insurance litigation in both state and federal court and has successfully represented his clients in some of the largest insurance recovery efforts. Brown also represents clients in other commercial contexts, including commercial contract disputes, as well as disputes involving TV and film, music, publishing, and likeness rights.
  • Craig Dashiell (New Jersey/New York) is a commercial litigator who focuses on resolving complex financial disputes between companies or between individuals over a wide range of matters, including breach of contract disputes and business divorce, as well as trusts and estates litigation with millions of dollars at stake. Dashiell also has extensive experience litigating insurance coverage disputes on behalf of corporate policyholders across a wide array of coverage lines.
  • Rachel Hudgins (Atlanta) represents corporate policyholders in high-value insurance disputes and complex claims, litigating in state and federal courts across the country, including U.S. territories. She is known for balancing litigation strategy with pre-suit resolutions. Rachel is also an active thought leader, frequently presenting at industry conferences and authoring chapters and articles for business and insurance publications.
  • Eric Jesse (New York/New Jersey) has advised corporate policyholders for over a decade on an array of insurance issues in mergers and acquisitions, claim disputes with insurers, and the placement and renewal of insurance programs. In particular, he has deep experience with several niche specialty policies, including representations and warranties (R&W) insurance, directors and officers (D&O) policies, and cyber insurance.
  • Jeremy King (New York) has obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in recoveries for corporate clients in insurance coverage disputes and other civil litigation matters across the country. He regularly represents corporate policyholders seeking to maximize insurance coverage under commercial general liability, directors and officers, crime, property, cyber, and other types of commercial insurance policies. 
  • Heather Weaver (New Jersey/New York) is an accomplished litigator who delivers successful outcomes for corporate policyholders in high-stakes insurance coverage and complex commercial disputes across state and federal courts. Her practice spans a broad range of coverage lines, including commercial property, commercial general liability, professional liability, cyber, crime, and product liability, positioning her as a trusted advisor for navigating the most challenging and high-exposure claims.

About Barnes & Thornburg
Barnes & Thornburg operates 26 offices across the United States, enabling more than 850 lawyers to serve clients nationwide. As one of the 100 largest law firms in the country, we provide seamless coast-to-coast coverage for high-stakes litigation, complex transactions and innovative IP matters. Our national reach and knowledge of local markets help clients conduct business confidently wherever opportunities arise. Visit btlaw.com.

Media Contact: stephen.clark@btlaw.com

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SOURCE Barnes & Thornburg LLP

The article outlines how climate conditions affect flooring choices and what materials perform best in Missouri homes.

FESTUS, Miss., April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How should homeowners in Missouri adapt their flooring choices to handle the state’s dramatic climate swings? HelloNation has published the answer in an article featuring insights from Nick Hopkins of Hopkins Floor Co in Festus, Missouri.

The HelloNation article explains that Missouri flooring solutions must account for both humid summers and cold, dry winters. These seasonal shifts can cause movement in many flooring materials, leading to visible damage over time. The article emphasizes that selecting the right flooring type is essential for maintaining long-term durability and appearance in homes across the region.

According to the article, natural hardwood flooring is especially sensitive to moisture and temperature changes. It expands during humid conditions and contracts when the air becomes dry, which can result in cupping, gaps, or cracks. The article notes that while hardwood remains a popular choice, it requires careful consideration and maintenance in climates like Missouri.

As an alternative, the article highlights engineered hardwood as a more stable option. Its layered construction helps reduce the amount of expansion and contraction caused by environmental changes. This added stability allows homeowners to achieve the look of hardwood while improving performance in spaces exposed to seasonal humidity and temperature swings. Flooring Experts often point to engineered products as a practical compromise between appearance and resilience.

The article also describes waterproof vinyl flooring as another effective choice among Missouri flooring solutions. This material is particularly useful in areas prone to moisture, such as basements, entryways, and kitchens. Unlike laminate, which can break down when exposed to water, vinyl is designed to resist swelling and warping. The article explains that this durability makes it a dependable option for homeowners seeking low-maintenance flooring that performs consistently year-round.

Beyond material selection, the HelloNation article stresses the importance of proper installation. It explains that even the most durable flooring can fail if it is not installed correctly. Key steps include allowing for expansion gaps and ensuring that subfloor moisture levels are properly managed before installation begins. These measures help prevent long-term issues and extend the lifespan of the flooring.

The article further notes that successful flooring outcomes depend on a combination of product choice and installation technique. Flooring Experts emphasize that climate-aware planning can reduce the risk of damage and improve overall performance. By understanding how different materials react to environmental conditions, homeowners can make more informed decisions that align with both function and design.

In addition, the article explains that Missouri flooring solutions are not just about visual appeal. Durability, moisture resistance, and adaptability all contribute to creating a reliable flooring system. The article encourages homeowners to think beyond initial appearance and consider how materials will perform over time in a changing climate.

The article concludes that choosing the right flooring for Missouri homes involves balancing aesthetics with practical performance. It highlights that careful planning and informed decisions can help homeowners avoid common issues related to expansion and contraction. With the right approach, flooring can remain stable, functional, and visually appealing despite seasonal changes.

HelloNation features insights from Nick Hopkins, Flooring Expert at Missouri Flooring Solutions in Festus, Missouri.

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

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SOURCE HelloNation

  • Strengthens climate disclosures with enhanced alignment to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2, including quantification of key climate risks and opportunities
  • Expands fourth climate change scenario analysis to include Japan, with a 2050 horizon
  • Advances nature and biodiversity conservation, restoration and education with launch of CDL EcoTrain, CDL MicroForest and CDL MicroFarm
  • Recognised across 14 global ESG benchmarks, including MSCI ‘AAA’, CDP ‘A’ List for Climate Change and Water Security, Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World

City Developments Limited (CDL) has released its 19th Integrated Sustainability Report (ISR) 2026, titled “Time for Impact: Future-Proofing Planet, People and Prosperity”. The report highlights CDL’s continued progress in decarbonisation, enhanced climate disclosures in progressive alignment with IFRS S1 and S2, and expanded efforts to accelerate nature-positive outcomes. It also reflects the Group’s sustainability leadership since 1995 and its progress towards achieving its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals and targets under the CDL Future Value 2030 Sustainability Blueprint.

In 2025, CDL reduced its Scope 1 and 2 operational carbon emissions for assets under direct management and operational control by 29% from 2016 levels. It also achieved a 50% reduction in Scope 3 embodied carbon emissions for new developments completed in 2025, based on project-level assessments, alongside a 59.6% reduction in Scope 3 emissions for its investments. These reductions support the Group’s Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated targets.

Ms Esther An, CDL’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said, “As 2030 draws closer, Singapore continues to push forward with strong ambition and clear direction toward decarbonisation and a City in Nature. At CDL, we remain steadfast in maintaining our momentum and commitment to ESG as a driver of long-term resilience and value creation. In 2025, we strengthened our climate and nature-related disclosures, advanced decarbonisation across our operations and value chain, and launched high-impact initiatives such as the CDL EcoTrain and CDL MicroForest to support climate education and regenerate urban biodiversity. These efforts reflect our commitment to sustainability as a long-term business imperative, and we will continue to work with our partners and stakeholders to future-proof our portfolio and contribute to a low-carbon, nature-positive future.”

Strengthening Climate Disclosures and IFRS Sustainability Reporting Standards Alignment

In 2025, CDL continued its dynamic double materiality assessment, evaluating both impact and financial materiality. The top five issues ranked highest for 2025 are:

  • Decarbonisation – Energy Efficiency & Adoption of Renewables
  • Cyber-readiness, Security and Data Privacy
  • Green and Healthy Buildings – Product/Service Quality and Responsibility
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Well-being
  • Governance and Business Conduct

With the implementation of the IFRS S1 and S2 for STI constituents, CDL has taken further steps towards adopting the global sustainability reporting baseline. The Group undertook a rigorous assessment to identify and quantify its top three climate-related risks and opportunities, enhancing transparency and strengthening integration of climate considerations into strategic planning.

In December 2025, CDL completed its fourth climate change scenario study with an independent consultant, significantly enhancing the depth and breadth of its analysis. The study expanded its scope and geographical coverage to include Japan and assessed the Group’s exposure to physical and transition risks across short, medium and long-term horizons from 2030 to 2050.

Amid rapid global biodiversity loss, CDL has intensified its commitment to nature preservation and regeneration, publishing its third Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) report within the ISR. Key advancements include expanding its asset coverage to 27 hotels and offices in the United Kingdom, a deeper dive into the Singapore and New Zealand portfolios, and the use of new nature-related tools and databases for reporting and analysis.

Since 2017, CDL has secured over S$11 billion in sustainable finance, leveraging its strong sustainability performance and credibility, validated by global ESG benchmarks such as FTSE4Good, MSCI ESG Ratings (‘AAA’ since 2010), and the CDP with double A List (‘A’ ratings for Climate Change (since 2018) and Water Security (since 2019). CDL was also ranked 69th on the 2026 Corporate Knights Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World, maintaining its position as Singapore’s top real estate management and leasing company.

Accelerating Collaboration for a Low-Carbon and Nature-Positive Future

As Scope 3 emissions become increasingly critical to the net-zero transition, CDL continues to engage and empower its value chain. In October 2025, the first cohort of 42 SMEs graduated from CDL’s SME Supplier Decarbonisation Queen Bee Programme. The initiative was developed with Enterprise Singapore, Global Green Connect and DBS Bank. Participating SME suppliers were equipped with the knowledge and tools to measure and manage their carbon footprint while strengthening supply chain resilience.

CDL also continued to actively engage tenants in its green building initiatives. In 2025, it concluded the City Green Tenant Bonus Programme, a pioneering decarbonisation initiative launched in 2024 for tenants at Republic Plaza, its flagship commercial property. Building on its Green Lease framework, the programme incentivised tenants to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce energy consumption, supporting efforts to lower Scope 3 emissions.

In 2025, CDL significantly advanced its nature and biodiversity agenda with the launch of three innovative community initiatives at its flagship City Square Mall — the CDL EcoTrain, CDL MicroForest and CDL MicroFarm. These initiatives support CDL’s adoption of the TNFD and underscore the Group’s efforts to enhance urban biodiversity, build climate resilience and inspire future eco-champions. In its first year of operation, the zero-energy CDL EcoTrain reached more than 70,000 visitors and over 1,500 workshop participants. 

Designed to mitigate urban heat, enhance climate resilience and boost biodiversity, the CDL MicroForest, located at City Square Mall’s City Green park, is Singapore’s first research-driven tropical microforest in a retail mall. Based on recent first-year findings, temperatures within the CDL MicroForest can be up to 5°C cooler than in surrounding and roadside areas.

These initiatives reflect CDL’s commitment to advancing climate impact and future-proofing its developments and portfolio.

Issued by City Developments Limited (Co. Regn. No. 196300316Z)
For media enquiries, please contact CDL Corporate Communications:

Belinda Lee, Head, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
+65 6877 8315 / +65 9751 1004

Eunice Yang
+65 6877 8338 / +65 9690 8224

Jill Tan
+65 6877 8484 / +65 9155 1362

Follow CDL on social media:
Instagram: @citydevelopments / instagram.com/citydevelopments
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/citydevelopments
X: @CityDevLtd / x.com/citydevltd

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LOS ANGELES, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 45 environmental and public interest groups are demanding that Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Energy Commission immediately implement long-overdue rules to protect consumers from painful run-ups of gas prices at the pump.

The groups pointed to the skyrocketing California gross refining margins, how the industry measures profits per gallon, from 49 cents per gallon in January to an estimated more than $1.50 per gallon in March.

Read the letter.

“This is exactly the type of profiteering that SBx1-2 and ABx2-1, the two special reforms that passed in 2023 and 2024, were supposed to rein in,” the groups wrote. “Unfortunately, the California Energy Commission has not written regulations to address resupply arrangements, minimum inventories or a price gouging penalty.

“We call on the California Energy Commission to write and implement emergency regulations in all three areas immediately. Californians deserve the protections they were promised.” 

Emergency regulations can be promulgated in 30 days. 

The public interest groups sending the letter include: 

350 Bay Area Action, 350 Santa Barbara, 350 South Bay Los Angeles, 350 Southland Legislative Alliance, Amazon Watch, APEN Action, Bay Area-System Change not Climate Change, Biofuelwatch, Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Community, Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ), CERBAT, Change Begins With ME, Indivisible, Climate First: Replacing Oil & Gas (CFROG), Climate Hawks Vote, Climate, Reality Project San Diego, Communities for a Better Environment, Elders Climate Action (ECA) Northern California (NorCal) Chapter, Elders Climate Action (ECA), Southern California (SoCal) Chapter, Fossil Free California, FracTracker Alliance, Good Neighbor Steering Committee of Benicia, Indivisible Marin, Indivisible Ventura, Long Beach Alliance for Clean Energy, Long Beach Gray Panthers, Nevada County, Climate Action Now, Oil and Gas Action Network, RootsAction, Sacramento Climate Coalition, San Francisco Bay Physicians for Social Responsibility, SanDiego350, Santa Cruz Climate Action Network, SoCal 350 Climate Action, Sunflower Alliance, Sustainable Mill Valley, The Climate Alliance, The Climate Center, The Local Clean, Energy Alliance, Transition Sebastopol, United States Campaign Manager, & West Berkeley Alliance for Clean Air and Safe Jobs.

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SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

As the April 15 deadline approaches, CTEC warns against unverified tax preparers

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Consumer protection experts are warning taxpayers about a growing threat: so-called “ghost preparers,” individuals who prepare tax returns for a fee but refuse to sign them.

These preparers often promise unusually large refunds and low upfront costs. However, once the return is filed and payment is collected, they disappear, leaving taxpayers responsible for any errors, penalties, or audits.

“Ghost preparers intentionally avoid signing returns to escape accountability,” said Fernando Angell, chair of the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). “It’s not just unethical, it’s illegal. And it puts taxpayers directly at risk.”

Tax professionals say these schemes are spreading through word-of-mouth, social media, and informal networks. Common tactics include filing returns marked as “self-prepared,” omitting required preparer information, or providing clients with one version of a return while submitting a different one to tax authorities.

“They’re difficult to track because they deliberately leave no paper trail,” said Lester Crawford, a member of CTEC’s board. “Many taxpayers don’t realize something is wrong until it’s too late.”

Red flags to watch for include:

  • A preparer who refuses to sign your return
  • Requests for cash payments without documentation
  • Promises of unusually large refunds
  • Directing your refund into a third-party account

Tax experts stress that anyone paid to prepare a return must include their identifying information. Legitimate preparers include certified public accountants (CPAs), attorneys, IRS enrolled agents, and credentialed professionals in states with oversight programs like California.

CTEC, which oversees roughly 40,000 registered tax preparers, urges taxpayers to verify credentials before sharing sensitive financial information. For more tips, visit CTEC.org.

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SOURCE California Tax Education Council (CTEC)

PUNTA GORDA, Fla., April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How can homeowners in Florida build smarter, more efficient homes that stay cool and affordable year-round? That question is explored in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Home Building Expert Paul H Schaefer II of Sage Homes LLC in Punta Gorda, Florida. The article breaks down how design choices—from roofing materials to HVAC systems—impact comfort, durability, and long-term energy savings across Punta Gorda and Charlotte County.

Designing a green home in Florida starts with understanding how the state’s warm, humid climate affects daily living. The HelloNation feature explains that homeowners can achieve meaningful energy reductions by working with an energy efficient home builder Punta Gorda residents trust, who understands how each building component influences cooling and insulation performance. Every part of a house, from roof to foundation, contributes to how well it manages heat, moisture, and energy costs.

The roof plays the most critical role. According to the article, homes on Florida’s Gulf Coast receive constant sunlight, and dark shingles or tiles can absorb heat that radiates into the living space below. Light-colored or reflective roofing materials are key to lowering attic temperatures and reducing the load on air conditioning systems. Many energy efficient builders in Punta Gorda now recommend metal roofs with solar-reflective coatings or specialized shingles designed for heat deflection.

Insulation is the next major factor. The HelloNation article details how spray foam insulation, applied to the underside of the roof deck, creates a tight air barrier that blocks both heat and humidity. This method helps maintain steady indoor temperatures and prevents moisture buildup—a frequent issue in Florida’s humid climate. When combined with proper ventilation, spray foam insulation can significantly reduce the energy required to cool a home.

Windows also play an essential role in Florida green building strategies. The article highlights how low-emissivity (e-coated) windows reflect infrared light while allowing visible light to pass through. This type of glass keeps interiors bright while reducing the amount of heat entering the home. With less solar gain, homeowners can rely less on air conditioning, saving money on electricity throughout the year.

HVAC efficiency is another central theme in the HelloNation feature. High-efficiency air conditioning systems equipped with variable-speed blowers and programmable thermostats allow more precise temperature control while using less power. Pairing these systems with a whole-home dehumidifier keeps indoor moisture levels balanced and prevents overcooling. Paul H Schaefer II emphasizes that the best results come from properly sizing the HVAC unit to the home’s layout and square footage, ensuring consistent comfort and performance.

The article also discusses how solar panels are becoming a valuable addition to energy-efficient homes in Florida. With abundant sunshine, solar systems can generate enough electricity to offset or even surpass household energy needs. However, the HelloNation feature notes that before installing solar panels, homeowners should first optimize insulation, windows, and HVAC systems. Once a home’s energy demand is minimized, solar power delivers even greater returns on investment.

Appliances and lighting complete the efficiency equation. Builders focused on Florida green building are now incorporating LED lighting, Energy Star-rated appliances, and tankless water heaters during the design phase. Integrating these systems early ensures that every element of the home works together for maximum performance. Paul H Schaefer II explains that this whole-home approach is what separates standard construction from true energy-efficient design.

Reflective roofing, spray foam insulation, e-coated windows, and HVAC efficiency are just part of a larger strategy to make homes more sustainable. The HelloNation feature emphasizes that these upgrades go beyond meeting state code—they create living spaces that remain cool and comfortable while reducing long-term energy bills. As Schaefer notes, investing in smart design pays off through durability, lower maintenance, and improved quality of life.

In Punta Gorda and across Charlotte County, interest in sustainable construction continues to grow. Homeowners increasingly recognize that an energy-efficient design is not just environmentally friendly but also a sound financial decision. Working with an energy efficient home builder Punta Gorda residents trust ensures that every choice—from roof color to appliance selection—contributes to a home built for Florida’s future.

Building Green: Florida’s Guide to Efficient Home Design features insights from Paul H Schaefer II, Home Building Expert of Punta Gorda, FL, in HelloNation.

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

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SOURCE HelloNation

AMSTERDAM, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OCI Global N.V. (“OCI” or the “Company”) (Euronext: OCI) today announced the publication of its 2025 Annual Report, including the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.

The Annual Report and the audited financial statements therein include disclosures reflecting the substantial transformation of OCI during 2025, including the completion of major divestments, the return of capital to shareholders, and the resulting simplification of the group’s portfolio and capital structure.

The Annual Report has been filed with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) using the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF). The 2025 Annual Report is also available for download on OCI’s website at www.oci-global.com.

Further information regarding OCI’s Annual General Meeting will be communicated in due course.

About OCI Global

Learn more about OCI at www.oci-global.com. You can also follow OCI on LinkedIn.

 

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oci-global-publishes-2025-annual-report-and-audited-financial-statements-302739414.html

SOURCE OCI Global

Key Takeaways

  • Climate risk is increasingly being reframed as a core business issue – not just a sustainability additive.
  • Shared supplier challenges highlight the need for collective solutions
  • Validation and opportunities for MCAP

Cascale recently contributed to Schneider Electric Perspectives Day Asia in Hong Kong, convening 150 senior executives from across the consumer goods industry. The event brought together leaders in sustainability, finance, energy, and supply chain to explore practical pathways to net-zero.

Nicole Lee-Kauer, manager of Cascale’s Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), joined a breakout panel called “Advancing Supply Chain Decarbonization: Leveraging Data, System Interoperability, and Regulatory Compliance,” injecting learnings from the Manufacturer Climate Action Program (MCAP), now in its fifth cohort.

The 18-month program is a pivotal initiative that unifies global manufacturers to combat climate change across the consumer goods industry, driving sustainable change through science-aligned targets (SATs). Engaging over 85 manufacturers to date, the program is open to all manufacturers looking to accelerate the adoption of science-aligned GHG reduction targets within their Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Manufacturers and brands can register for the informational webinar April 21 (register now).

Across the event, a clear theme was present: accountability. Organizations are increasingly integrating climate risk into enterprise-wide risk management, rather than treating it as a standalone sustainability topic. Companies such as Philippines‑based conglomerate Ayala and hotel chain Marriott are embedding climate considerations into governance structures, linking performance to executive decision-making and incentives. This reflects growing alignment between sustainability and financial accountability.

Discussions with brands and retailers, including Japanese beverage retailer Asahi, Henderson Land, and Hong Kong Land reinforced that manufacturers face similar decarbonization challenges across sectors. These shared barriers point to the importance of collective action, aligned tools, and consistent data to drive progress at scale.

A separate session offered insights from FairPrice Group’s supplier decarbonization program. There was strong alignment with Cascale’s MCAP, particularly in terms of the program’s approach to target-setting and capacity building. For example, FairPrice’s use of a supplier segmentation model and structured training offers a practical example of how brands can engage manufacturers more effectively.

At the same time, their experience underscores the role of enabling environments. Public funding, supportive policy frameworks, and cross-border partnerships are key accelerators for supplier decarbonization. These learnings present opportunities to further strengthen MCAP, including the potential development of a simple self-assessment tool to help manufacturers evaluate readiness for programs like MCAP or science-based targets.

In all, events like Perspectives Day Asia reinforce Cascale’s role not only as a convener, bringing diverse perspectives in consumer goods, but also as a contributor to cross-industry dialogue.

Register for MCAP Webinar

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