Author: sHq_LoGiNz
The citywide series of events throughout June reflects a growing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, visibility and inclusion.
DENVER, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Denver Pride returns this June with an expanded, month-long celebration that emphasizes the city’s deep and ongoing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
What began in 1974 as a gathering of roughly 50 people in Cheesman Park has evolved into one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country. Denver Pride is now produced by The Center on Colfax, the Rocky Mountain Region for safe and affirming programs, services and spaces tailored to the queer community. To learn more about the history of Denver’s Pride as well as Denver’s queer community, check out History Colorado’s website and the The Colorado LGBTQ History Project webpage.
This year’s programming begins June 1 and spans every corner of Denver, offering inclusive, accessible events for everyone, and many of them free to the public. From community gatherings to large-scale signature events, Denver Pride 2026 will further showcase the Mile High City as a hub for the queer and ally community.
Below is a roundup of Pride events. To learn more, check out the Visit Denver website.
Pride Night at the Rockies (Friday, June 5, 2026) – Celebrate Pride at the ballpark as the Colorado Rockies take on the Milwaukee Brewers. Special ticket packages include a limited-edition Rockies-themed Pride sleeveless jersey, and a portion of each ticket benefits The Center on Colfax and One Colorado.
Mutt Strut (Saturday, June 6, 2026) – Dress up your pup and head to Skiptown for a playful day of doggy drag and off-leash fun. Dogs can take part in themed runway shows while humans enjoy the indoor/outdoor park and full bar. Nail painting, tail dyeing and photo booths add to the festive atmosphere for this Pride celebration designed for pets and their people.
Smutty Scholastic Book Fair (Saturday, June 13, 2026) – Presented by Awakening, Spicy Librarian and Denver Pride, this adults-only twist on the classic book fair features romance reads, playful performances and interactive experiences. Browse a curated selection of spicy literature, shop cheeky goods from local artists and enjoy a nostalgic — and decidedly grown-up — celebration of books.
Queer Hiking (Sunday, June 14, 2026) – Presented by Mile High Queer Club and Denver Pride, this outdoor adventure invites participants to spend the day exploring Staunton State Park. Multiple hiking options are available for a range of abilities, including an accessible route supported by the park’s Track Chair program. After the hike, the group returns to Denver for a brewery happy hour to close out a day of fresh air and Pride celebration.
For the Culture Cookout (Friday, June 19, 2026) – Presented by Love Vibes and Denver Pride, this Juneteenth gathering celebrates connection and community with an all-ages event at Cheesman Park. Enjoy food, live music and DJs, local vendors, community resources and a Vogue Night as part of the festivities.
Tea Dance – Neon Nineties (Saturday, June 20, 2026) – Join Champagne Tiger and The Center to kick off the start of Pride Week on the patio! This special edition of Tea Dance is Neon Nineties themed so break out that wind breaker, put that scrunchie in your hair and get ready to dance and celebrate the beginning of official Denver Pride. DJ Buddy Bravo will be spinning all 90’s classics with plenty of drink and food specials.
Gettin’ Sticky (Thursday, June 25, 2026) – Presented by Love Vibes and Denver Pride, Gettin’ Sticky is a high-energy night featuring music, dancing and playful Jell-O wrestling competition hosted by Syre. Guests can enjoy the neon-lit atmosphere and join the fun as Pride weekend kicks off.
Pride Weekend Kickoff Party (Friday, June 26, 2026) – Denver Pride and PlayHaus are partnering for a new dance music experience. Details are coming soon!
Bubbles and Boas (Saturday, June 27, 2026) – Celebrate Pride with a brunch in the park featuring 15-plus food trucks, mimosas and mocktails, local coffee, drag performances and local vendors. General admission includes drink tickets, brunch bites and a Pride boa, with an early-entry option at 9:30 a.m. Guests can also run a 5K that finishes at the event or cheer from the sidelines.
Pride Music Festival (Saturday, June 27, 2026) – Denver Pride and PlayHaus are partnering for a new dance music experience. Details coming soon!
Pride 5K (Saturday, June 27, 2026) – Walk, run, roll or sashay in this joyful Pride Month tradition. Join 4,000 participants for a morning of movement, celebration and community spirit.
Pride Weekend at Larimer Square (Friday, June 27-Sunday June 28, 2026) – Larimer Square hosts a weekend of Pride festivities, including a Friday block party with live music from DOGTAGS, Alysia Kraft and May Be Fern; Saturday DJ sets and pop-up sidewalk bars; and a Sunday Drag Brunch at Osteria Marco featuring an al fresco dining experience to close out the weekend.
Vizzy Denver Pride Parade (Sunday, June 28, 2026) – We had so much fun on 17th Ave that we decided to run it back. The Vizzy Denver Pride Parade is a celebration of fearless self-expression, joy, and community. Local businesses, activists, and families all march together to imagine and create a future of queer liberation for everyone. Floats, performers, and a crowd of locals and visitors flood the streets with vibrant, unstoppable energy. This is more than a parade – it’s a moving, living celebration of Pride and the power of community.
Denver PrideFest (Sunday, June 28, 2026) – Same Pride, new place! This year, we’re taking over downtown and bringing the party to 16th Street. Since 1974, Denver Pride has created a space where the LGBTQ+ community, allies, families, and local businesses come together for a day of joy, celebration, and protest. With our move downtown, you can expect all the Pride classics you know and love like Latin Stage, The Gayborhood, and the youth and family area. See you there!
For over 50 years, Denver PrideFest has been an important celebration of Denver’s queer community focusing on inclusion, belonging and allyship. For more information and a complete list of events, check out the Visit Denver website.
About Visit Denver, The Convention & Visitors Bureau
Celebrating 117 years of promoting the Mile High City, Visit Denver is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. Denver welcomed more than 37.1 million visitors in 2024, generating $10.3 billion in spending, while supporting tens of thousands of jobs and making Tourism one of the city’s largest industries. Learn more about Denver at Visit Denver or Tourism Pays Denver. Follow Denver’s social media channels for up-to-the-minute updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.
About The Center on Colfax
The Center on Colfax opened in 1976 and has grown to become the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Rocky Mountain region, giving voice to Colorado’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities and playing a pivotal role in statewide initiatives to reduce harassment and discrimination. Today, The Center is focused on fulfilling its mission by ensuring that every member of the LGBTQ+ community has access to the programs and resources to live happy, healthy, and protected lives. For more information, visit lgbtqcolorado.org.
With press or photo inquiries, please contact:
Taylor Shields, Director of PR & Communications
Caroline Campbell, PR & Communications Manager
Natalie St. Hilaire, PR & Communications Coordinator
Press@visitdenver.com
Assets: Denver Pride
Photo Credit: Visit Denver
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SOURCE VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau

The article outlines how Montessori classrooms adapt to each child’s pace, learning style, and developmental readiness.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Can a school environment truly adapt to each child’s unique pace and personality? That’s the question answered in a HelloNation article that features Montessori Education Expert Madelynn Van Den Heuvel of Santa Cruz, CA. The article explores how Montessori classrooms are intentionally designed to support individual learning needs through observation, flexibility, and respect for child development.
The Montessori personalized learning approach begins by meeting each student exactly where they are. In the article, Van Den Heuvel explains that children enter the classroom with different skills, interests, and emotional readiness. Rather than trying to move everyone at the same pace, Montessori is structured to allow students to advance as they are ready. This individualized progression supports long-term academic growth without placing unnecessary pressure on the child.
Central to this model is the Montessori guide’s role in observation. Guides in Montessori classrooms observe how children engage with their environment before intervening with support or instruction. By focusing on what each child shows through behavior and interaction, guides can align lessons with current needs. This reinforces the Montessori personalized learning approach by responding to cues rather than adhering to rigid schedules.
Mixed-age classrooms further support Montessori for different learning paces. Older students reinforce their skills by helping younger peers, while younger children learn by observing more advanced work. This approach reduces the likelihood of labeling children as “behind” or “ahead” and instead focuses on natural child development. The result is a classroom where learning is driven by readiness and curiosity.
Van Den Heuvel also highlights the importance of Montessori materials in adapting to individual learning needs. These hands-on tools are designed to be self-correcting, allowing children to recognize and fix mistakes independently. This structure builds persistence and problem-solving skills, while offering opportunities to revisit concepts without external judgment. Children who are ready for more advanced work can explore deeper levels without waiting for group instruction.
Learning styles also play a central role in how Montessori education supports diverse learners. Some children may prefer quiet, solitary work, while others thrive through movement or collaboration. Montessori classrooms allow for choice and flexibility in work, giving students the space to understand how they learn best. This freedom supports the Montessori personalized learning approach and ensures that learning remains meaningful for every student.
In the HelloNation article, emotional and social development are presented as equally important to academics. Lessons in grace and courtesy are integrated into daily routines to help children navigate conflict, express themselves, and build relationships. By observing how children interact and guiding them through those moments, Montessori guides help students develop emotional awareness and resilience—essential components of long-term child development.
For families wondering whether Montessori can accommodate both fast and slower learners, the article confirms that the model is built for just that. Guides can offer additional challenges to children seeking more, or give more practice and support to those who need time. In both cases, there is no stigma; there is only encouragement to learn and grow.
Over time, this approach nurtures self-aware learners who understand their strengths, work through their challenges, and take ownership of their progress. Through flexibility, structure, and respect for the individual, Montessori education continues to show its strength in supporting every child’s path.
Meeting Your Child Where They Are: How Montessori Supports Individual Needs features insights from Madelynn Van Den Heuvel, Montessori Education Expert of Santa Cruz, CA, 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

NEW ORLEANS, April 14, 2026 /3BL/ – One year after awarding $3.5 million in grants to 65 nonprofit and community-based organizations, Impact 59 Powered by Entergy, the official Super Bowl LIX Legacy Grant Program, is delivering on its promise to build a lasting legacy. The program enabled participating agencies to serve more than 268,000 individuals and leveraged an additional $1.5 million in funding from other sources to benefit the Greater New Orleans region.

The program – a legacy initiative of the NFL managed by the Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, included significant donations from the NFL Foundation, Entergy, the New Orleans Saints, Ochsner Health, Venture Global, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, and the NOLA Coalition – has proven to be a catalytic investment, multiplying resources, empowering local organizations, and producing visible change throughout the 10-parish region.
“Impact 59 is proof the Super Bowl can be more than a game,” said Marcus Brown, Chair of the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee and Executive Legal Advisor for Entergy. “It can be a catalyst for opportunity, equity, and real change in people’s lives.”
A study performed by the United Way of Southeast Louisiana confirmed the funds have reached more than 268,315 individuals across 65 organizations, with many leveraging Impact 59 grants to secure additional funding and partnerships. Grant recipients used the funding to reach their specific programming goals including renovating facilities, purchasing essential equipment, expanding food banks and pantries, enhancing workforce training and providing life-changing services to the Greater New Orleans region.
“These results prove that when we say, ‘It’s what we do,’ we mean it,” said Jay Cicero, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee. “Impact 59 Powered by Entergy is not only meeting urgent social needs today but laying the foundation for stronger, healthier communities long after New Orleans hosted its record-tying 11th Super Bowl on February 9, 2025.”
The Impact 59 portfolio reflects a comprehensive investment in the region’s future. The grants awarded through Impact 59 Powered by Entergy have been allocated to nonprofit organizations focused on programs that foster positive change in youth development, workforce training, education, health and wellness, and equity and inclusion. These organizations are receiving critical support for their efforts to improve lives in New Orleans and the surrounding parishes of Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, Plaquemines, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes.
Across the 10-parish region, Impact 59 grant recipients are translating investment into measurable results. For example, YouthForce NOLA engaged more than 1,300 students in hands-on learning through STEM Fests; Travelers Aid Society served 1,184 locals in need; NextOp placed 155 veterans into high-quality careers; Rebuild Together New Orleans installed 59 new roofs; Reconcile New Orleans enrolled 178 youths in workforce development training; and Second Harvest Food Bank distributed over 36,000 pounds of fresh food among other significant accomplishments by all partner organizations.
“The Super Bowl Legacy Grant Program ensures that the NFL leaves a positive community impact that endures long after the final whistle of the Super Bowl,” said Alexia Gallagher, NFL Vice President of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the NFL Foundation. “We are excited to see the positive results of the program so far and look forward to continuing to deliver on our promise to create a lasting philanthropic legacy across the New Orleans region.”
As the impact from the Super Bowl continues, the Host Committee and its partners reaffirm their commitment to leveraging the world’s biggest stage for the long-term good of Louisiana, New Orleans and the surrounding parishes.
“Impact 59 Powered by Entergy shows the power of what’s possible when philanthropy and partnership move in the same direction – real, lasting change,” added Michael Williamson, President and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana. “In just eight months, we’ve seen investments multiply, organizations grow stronger, and families across our region feel the difference in their daily lives. On behalf of United Way, we express our sincerest gratitude to the host committee, Marcus Brown, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and all who made this extraordinary impact possible.”
About the New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee
The New Orleans Super Bowl LIX Host Committee, led by the New Orleans Saints and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, is responsible for planning, executing, and hosting the City’s record-tying 11th NFL Championship game on February 9, 2025. The Host Committee works in partnership with the National Football League to deliver a successful Super Bowl LIX while driving lasting social and economic impact in the Greater New Orleans area.
About The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation
Organized in August 1988, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation (Sports Foundation) is a non-profit 501(c) (4) organization whose mission is to attract and manage sporting events that have a positive economic impact on Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans area. Throughout its 37-year history, the Sports Foundation has been awarded and managed hundreds of events and turned a $50 million public investment into more than $4.2 billion in economic impact for the State of Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans area. Learn more about the Sports Foundation at gnosports.com.
Super Bowl LIX Media Contacts:
Ainsley Coleman, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, (318) 588-0651, acoleman@gnosf.org
Lenox Hill, The Ehrhardt Group, (504) 352-5910, lhill@tegpr.com
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MINNEAPOLIS, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Boyer, a premier Microsoft Solutions Partner, today announced a high-velocity strategic shift with the launch of the AI Agent Strike Force. This unit is engineered for one purpose: delivering rapid, tangible AI Agent victories across the enterprise landscape. To spearhead this offensive, Boyer has appointed software executive and strategic advisor Rob Kline to lead the firm’s AI Strategy and Go-to-Market (GTM) efforts.
Proven Execution: Over 50 Live Copilot Agents and Counting
While much of the industry remains in the “proof of concept” stage, Boyer is delivering results in real-time. The AI Strike Force is backed by a proven track record of over 50 live AI Agents, with dozens currently deployed across our customer base today. We aren’t just talking about the future of autonomous work; we are delivering active wins and measurable ROI for clients today.
Speed to Value: The AI Agent Strike Force
In a market saturated with AI theory, Boyer’s Strike Force is built for execution. This specialized team moves beyond traditional, long-cycle consulting to focus on the immediate deployment of autonomous agentic AI. By targeting high-impact workflows within complex business systems, the Strike Force transforms AI potential into “Day One” operational wins, ensuring clients see value in weeks, not years.
A Strategic GTM Built on Seller Trust
Boyer’s new GTM strategy is specifically designed to reinforce the trust and confidence of the Microsoft field. Recognizing the demand on Microsoft sellers to provide sophisticated, market-ready AI solutions, Boyer offers a “plug-and-play” tactical partnership.
“The marketplace is past the point of experimentation; organizations need agents that drive outcomes now,” said Rob Kline, Senior Director of AI Strategy. “Our strategy is built to be the secret weapon for Microsoft sellers. We provide the tactical edge they need to walk into any complex environment with the confidence that we will deliver an immediate win and solidify their standing as the primary strategic partner, securing the ‘first-agent-standing’ position within their customer base.”
Winning the Enterprise with Microsoft
The AI Agent Strike Force provides Microsoft sellers with:
- Tactical Execution: A high-speed framework for identifying and deploying AI Agents that solve real-world business friction.
- Strategic Domain Depth: Decades of experience managing mission-critical business systems, ensuring AI Agents are integrated into the core of the enterprise.
- Market Momentum: A specialized GTM motion that quickly converts AI interest into closed deals and successful deployments.
“With Rob leading this charge, we are moving faster than the market to bridge the gap between AI’s promise and its practical application,” said Lee Witkop, CEO of Boyer. “Our AI Strike Force is the most reliable resource for Microsoft sellers who want to secure the ‘Agent win’ and lead their clients through the next era of digital transformation.”
About Boyer & Associates
Boyer is an award-winning Microsoft Solutions Partner specializing in high-impact Business Applications and AI. By combining deep strategic expertise with a relentless focus on market execution, Boyer helps organizations leverage Microsoft Copilot and autonomous agents to revolutionize their business systems and achieve sustainable growth.
For details on Boyer’s AI services, visit their website.
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SOURCE Boyer and Associates

- 84% of hospitals in Alabama operate in the red.
- 42% of the state’s population lives in a rural area.
- 7% out of the state’s 67 counties don’t have a hospital.
ATLANTA, April 14, 2026 /3BL/ – In the midst of widespread funding shortfalls for most rural Alabama hospitals, Georgia-Pacific operations in Escambia and Monroe counties are helping hospitals there with a much-needed funding boost.
Georgia-Pacific’s Brewton Containerboard and Alabama River Cellulose facilities donated a total of $500,000 to three rural hospitals in Alabama. The funding will help local hospitals provide critical health services to the community.
Many U.S. hospitals in rural communities have been forced to cut or eliminate essential medical services due to financial strain. According to the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), more than 140 rural hospitals have closed in the past decade. The Alabama Hospital Association states that 84% of Alabama’s hospitals operate in the red, and nearly 90% of women living in rural areas are more than 30 minutes from a birthing center. Alabama’s Rural Hospital Investment Program (RHIP) tax credit is designed to address these challenges.
The Monroe County Hospital (MCH) in Monroeville, Ala., received $225,000. The D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton, Ala., received $225,000, and the Atmore Community Hospital in Atmore, Ala., received $50,000.
“Monroe County Hospital thanks Georgia-Pacific’s Alabama River Cellulose for their investment through the Rural Hospital Investment Program. Thanks to operations and tax-credit incentives, investments like this help strengthen our financial foundation, stabilize operations, and ensure we can continue providing critical healthcare services close to home,” said Laura Harris, MCH’s public relations director. “This support preserves access to care for our community while strengthening the infrastructure and workforce needed to serve Monroe County for years to come. We are grateful for Georgia-Pacific’s partnership in supporting rural healthcare.”
“Atmore Community Hospital is grateful for Georgia-Pacific’s support through the Rural Hospital Investment Program. The tax credit allocation comes at an important time and will help the hospital strengthen its financial stability and support critical operational needs,” said Drew Citrin, Atmore Community Hospital administrator. “This investment will make a meaningful difference in helping the hospital continue its mission of providing excellent care to patients close to home. We appreciate Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to rural healthcare and its investment in the future of our hospital and the community of Atmore.”

Atmore Community Hospital in Atmore, Ala., received $50,000 from Georgia-Pacific’s Brewton operations. A part of the community for more than 50 years, Atmore Community Hospital serves Atmore and the surrounding communities. The facility and its healthcare providers work to provide the community with safe, quality care that exceeds all expectations.
Stacey Hines, administrator for D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, said, “We are incredibly grateful to Georgia-Pacific for their generous contribution through the Rural Hospital Investment Program. Their support is an investment not only in our hospital, but in the health and well-being of the entire community we serve. Their generosity helps us continue caring for our friends, neighbors, and families close to home, and partnerships like this strengthen not just our hospital, but our entire community.”

Georgia-Pacific’s Brewton operations donated $225,000 to D.W. McMillan Hospital in Brewton, Ala. The funding will help with the hospital’s mission to provide quality healthcare services while treating patients respectfully and with compassion.
Georgia-Pacific partners with the communities in which it operates to create long-term value and support initiatives that protect the community’s health and well-being.
“Supporting our local hospitals is an investment in the people and families who make our community strong, and strong communities start with access to quality healthcare,” explained Wes Greeson, vice president, Brewton Operations. “This donation underscores our values and our responsibility to support organizations that care for our neighbors when they need it most.”
“Georgia-Pacific pulp and paper mills primarily operate in rural settings, and Alabama River Cellulose is no exception,” said Jeff Vermilyea, vice president, Alabama River Cellulose. “We see our rural setting—especially the workforce that comes from it—as a key strength. Giving back to the area that’s given so much to us was an easy choice. This donation helps our local hospital, Monroe Co. Hospital, continue providing our community access reliable, high-quality healthcare locally.”
Georgia-Pacific is a leading employer in Alabama, creating a combined 12,000 direct and indirect jobs, and more than $760 million in wages and benefits. Over the past decade, the company has invested nearly $2.5 billion in its Alabama operations and recently announced an additional investment of $800 million in the Alabama River Cellulose operation.
Learn more about our stewardship initiatives here.
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WASHINGTON, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — American Rivers is today announcing America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2026 in the national organization’s 41st annual report. With over 80 percent of our nation’s rivers lacking adequate protection, according to the National Protected Rivers Assessment, and half of rivers in the U.S. containing unsafe levels of pollution, rivers are among the most at-risk ecosystems on the planet, despite their importance to society.
Millions of Americans depend on rivers to supply their drinking water, drive strong economies, irrigate our food supply and provide recreation and outdoor access. Protection of rivers and clean water enjoys broad support among the public, across demographics and political ideologies. But threats to rivers and water are mounting, demanding bipartisan action from decision-makers.
“Polluting and abusing our rivers will impoverish our nation and ourselves. We should not shirk our responsibility to protect our most precious resource — our nation’s freshwater,” said Tom Kiernan, president and CEO of American Rivers. “Rivers are the foundation from which our nation has grown, and if we allow vital water supplies to diminish and degrade, our children and the generations still to come will pay the price.”
American Rivers reviews nominations for America’s Most Endangered Rivers® from individuals and organizations across the country. Rivers are selected based upon the following criteria:
- A major decision that the public can help influence in the coming year.
- The significance of the river to people and nature.
- The magnitude of threat to the river and its communities.
America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2026
- Potomac River: The rapid, unchecked buildout of data centers along the Potomac River threatens the drinking water for our nation’s capital and surrounding areas, while a historic sewage spill raises alarms about aging infrastructure.
- San Joaquin: A massive gravel mine proposed along the river would jeopardize drinking water supplies for the Fresno region and reverse major salmon-restoration progress.
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: The Twin Metals mine would bring acid-mine drainage to an iconic wilderness — endangering clean water, wildlife, and a major outdoor-recreation economy.
- Lumber River: Toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS and other industrial pollution are pushing this Wild and Scenic River to the brink.
- Rogue River: Mining pollution and the potential loss of Roadless Rule safeguards threaten this river’s remarkable salmon runs and incredible recreational value.
- Chilkat River: The ongoing development of a large-scale hard rock mine threatens habitat for fish and wildlife and would irreparably harm Alaskan Native communities.
- Nissequogue River: A failed dam that freed a major section of Long Island’s largest river might be replaced, threatening fish and wildlife recovery.
- Dan River: Fossil fuel–pipeline construction threatens to pollute drinking-water supplies and increase flood risk to downstream communities.
- Amargosa River: Mining operations threaten drinking-water supplies and the unique fish and wildlife that depend on this desert lifeline.
- Suwannee River: Excessive water withdrawals, sewage and agricultural pollution are testing this river’s limits in the extreme.
American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. AmericanRivers.org
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SOURCE American Rivers

Commits to Continuing the Work to Advance Women’s Sports and Support the Fans Who Made It Happen
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) today announced it has officially met its groundbreaking 50/50 media pledge a full year ahead of schedule, achieving equal advertising spending on men’s and women’s sports media. The milestone cements Ally as the first brand to set—and achieve—a public, time-bound goal for equal advertising spend across men’s and women’s sports media.
Originally launched in May of 2022 with a five-year target, the 50/50 pledge sought to upend a vicious cycle driving significant disparity in media coverage and economic prosperity of women’s sports. Since the launch, the women’s sports industry has seen explosive growth – with record viewership, game-changing media and sponsorship deals, highest-ever team valuations and stronger media representation.
The commitment also delivered measurable business results for Ally that validated the company’s strategic, early investment in women’s sports. Since the pledge launched in 2022, Ally’s brand value is up 40% according to Brand Finance. Women’s sports fans are 27% more likely to say they trust Ally compared to general consumers and are experiencing record levels of brand awareness.
“When we launched this pledge in 2022, we saw around a corner and believed women’s sports was the next significant space in sponsorships because of its positive trajectory — passionate fans, incredible athletes, untapped potential. But, it needed partners willing to help make the infrastructure,” said Andrea Brimmer, Ally’s Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer. “We wanted to build alongside other brands, leagues, teams and media partners to create real visibility, credibility, and economic momentum for women’s sports. Meeting this commitment early isn’t a finish line for Ally — it’s proof that when you invest in building something meaningful, everyone benefits. And we’re not done building.”
Breaking the Cycle, Architecting the Infrastructure
In delivering the pledge, Ally collaborated with media partners, leagues, athletes and other brands to help architect new ways to put women’s sports in the spotlight and address the vicious cycle. Since launching the pledge, Ally increased its advertising spend on women’s sports media more than 4.6X, moving from 10% of its total sports media spending to 50% parity today. Key milestones included:
- 2022: Worked with CBS and the NWSL to move the championship to primetime network television for the first time, resulting in a record 915,000 viewers — a 71% increase year-over-year.
- 2023: Executed a multimillion-dollar Disney/ESPN deal where 90% of investment supported women’s sports across the ACC, SEC, and NCAA championships.
- 2024: Became an official USGA partner and helped raise the U.S. Women’s Open purse to a record $12 million — still the highest in women’s golf today.
- 2024: Committed early as the first founding partner of Unrivaled, the professional women’s 3-on-3 basketball league.
- 2025: Became the WNBA’s official banking partner and signed No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers, pairing her with veterans Breanna Stewart and Sydney Colson.
- March 2026: Worked with Scripps Sports and the PWHL to deliver the league’s first-ever nationally televised game in the United States, accessible to more than 126 million households.
Ally also invested early with emerging women’s sports platforms including Just Women’s Sports, Re-Inc, GOALS, TOGETHXR, The Gist, and others, supporting the growth of a more robust media landscape to best serve women’s sports fans.
“Over the course of this commitment, we partnered closely with Ally to rethink how the sports media marketplace could work — helping unlock inventory where it didn’t previously exist and identifying emerging platforms ahead of traditional benchmarks,” said Martin Blich, Executive Director and U.S. Head of Sports Partnerships & Investment, WPP Media. “Reaching the 50/50 milestone validates a deliberate shift in how investment can be structured and demonstrates how media strategy can drive industry-wide change in women’s sports.”
The Work Continues: Addressing Rising Costs as the Next Challenge
As women’s sports have grown, rising costs are creating complicated realities for stakeholders across the ecosystem. Brands and leagues are navigating heightened pressure for immediate revenue and returns, as fans face new financial friction. Ticket prices are rising, the viewing landscape is increasingly complicated, and memorable experiences bolstering lifelong fandom risk becoming accessible only to those with the deepest pockets.
Ally’s own Cost of Fandom research found the average sports fan spends more than $1,600 annually on their fandom—with 85% having no dedicated savings for it.
“Brands and fans who contributed to this movement — who filled every seat in a far-off arena, tuned in at nonprime hours, brought the demand to put games in primetime — are now navigating a landscape that’s grown faster and become more expensive than anyone expected,” said Brimmer. “This is a sign of the explosive growth of the women’s game, so on one hand, I’m proud. But, at the same time, this is a delicate moment. We’re calling on all those who love women’s sports to continue to make the hard decisions to ensure long-term, sustainable growth.”
“At a time when fans are choosing to spend, save and give with more intention than ever—57% of sports fans admit they overspend on their love of sports —they deserve a financial services partner willing to step up and support their love of the game. Ally intends to do just that, ensuring women’s sports fans can still do fandom right as we continue investing in the growth of the entire ecosystem together,” added Brimmer.
About Ally Financial
Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a financial services company with the nation’s largest all-digital bank and an industry-leading auto financing business, driven by a mission to “Do It Right” and be a relentless ally for customers and communities. The company serves customers with deposits and securities brokerage and investment advisory services as well as auto financing and insurance offerings. The company also includes a seasoned corporate finance business that offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies. For more information, please visit www.ally.com.
For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit https://www.ally.com/#disclosures.
For further images and news on Ally, please visit http://media.ally.com.
Contacts:
Christian Bochicchio
Ally Communications (Media)
christian.bochicchio@ally.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ally-achieves-historic-5050-sports-media-pledge-one-year-ahead-of-schedule-302742139.html
SOURCE Ally Financial

The company is committed to building better homes for today and tomorrow
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Richmond American Homes (RAH) of New Mexico, Inc., a subsidiary of Sekisui House U.S., Inc., is thrilled to have been recognized by Powering New Mexico’s (PNM) High Performance New Homes Program for its commitment to sustainability in homebuilding. This program (pnm.com/newhomeconstruction) promotes the construction of comfortable, energy-efficient homes in New Mexico.
In addition to having been named by PNM as the builder in New Mexico with the highest median kilowatt-hour (kWh) efficiency rate, Richmond American has also been recognized as having the most ENERGY STAR®-certified homes in the state. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA.gov), ENERGY STAR®-certified homes deliver lower utility bills, improved indoor air quality, efficient HVAC systems, proper insulation and sealing, better moisture protection, stronger resale value, and added peace of mind through strict standards and independent inspections.
Over the past 20 years, Richmond American’s green initiatives (RichmondAmerican.com/Energy) have produced strong results. Beyond power-based savings, the builder has focused on water conservation and improving indoor air quality, aiming to create homes that are healthier for residents and better for the environment while also lowering costs.
In 2022, Richmond American achieved a HERS® Index of 49—surpassing its goal of 50 three years ahead of schedule. The HERS® Index is the industry standard for rating home energy efficiency, providing a nationally recognized measure of a home’s energy performance. A certified HERS® Rater evaluates a home and assigns it a score from 0 to 150; the lower the score, the more energy-efficient the home.
Additional green initiatives that Richmond American has implemented in recent years include:
- WaterSense® fixtures (per community & plan)
- Programmable thermostat
- Efficient HVAC
- Low-e windows (per market)
- Advanced framing
- Low-VOC paint and carpet
- Award-winning radon mitigation
- Indoor airPLUS
More information on Richmond American Homes of New Mexico can be obtained by calling 505.800.7742.
About Sekisui House U.S., Inc.
Sekisui House U.S., Inc. continues a legacy that began in 1972 under its former name, M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Among the largest homebuilders in the nation, Sekisui House U.S., Inc.’s homebuilding subsidiaries, which operate under the name Richmond American Homes, have helped more than 250,000 homebuyers achieve the American Dream. The companies’ commitment to quality construction, customer satisfaction and value is reflected in every home they build. The Richmond American Homes companies have operations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Mortgage lending, insurance and title services are offered by the following Sekisui House U.S., Inc. subsidiaries, respectively: HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. and American Home Title and Escrow Company.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/richmond-american-homes-of-new-mexico-recognized-for-sustainability-efforts-302742090.html
SOURCE Sekisui House U.S., Inc.













