Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Company urges customers to conserve water as New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issues Drought Warning

CAMDEN, N.J., Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP)’s issuance of a Drought Warning today, New Jersey American Water has issued a mandatory conservation notice for all customers across the state. The company requests that customers limit all nonessential water usage by conserving as much water as possible indoors. 

“Water is our most precious resource, and during times like these, every drop counts,” said Ben Morris, Vice President of Operations for New Jersey American Water. “We’re working closely with state officials and monitoring conditions across our systems, but conservation starts at home. By reducing nonessential water use now, we can help protect our water supplies.”

In October, the NJ DEP issued a Drought Watch following a prolonged period of low precipitation. The Watch was upgraded to a Warning today, following a public hearing yesterday to gauge the severity of water supply concerns.

“The precipitation and water supply uncertainty we’ve experienced over the past year is a symptom of the impacts of climate change here in New Jersey,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “We ask residents, businesses, and partners in local government to join us in spreading the urgency of the need to conserve water.”

As a result of this public hearing and escalation, New Jersey American Water is urging customers to limit all non-essential water use and providing the following guidelines below:

Indoor Conservation Guidelines:

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes in the sink.
• Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.
• Take shorter showers. Try to shower in five minutes or less.
• Be a leak detective. Find and fix leaks and breaks in hoses, sprinkler systems, pipes and toilets. For help, download New Jersey American Water’s Leak Detection Kit at newjerseyamwater.com under Water Information.
• Insulate exposed water pipes with pre-slit foam insulation to maintain warmth and avoid wasting water while it heats up.
• Consider water and energy-efficient appliances. Products and services that have earned the US EPA WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance.

“These small but impactful actions not only protect our water supplies but also help customers save money on their water bills,” added Morris. “For those who may need extra support with bills this season, we have various assistance programs available to help customers manage costs.”

New Jersey American Water has been closely monitoring supply levels in coordination with operation centers across its system. The company does not anticipate a major threat to its water supply and is leveraging redundancies to shift between water sources to provide uninterrupted water service at this time. The DEP’s Drought Warning designation and New Jersey American Water’s Mandatory Water Conservation Notice prioritize preserving available water supplies to avert a more serious water shortage.

New Jersey American Water customers can monitor their water usage and find ways to use water more wisely and apply for bill assistance if needed online through their MyWater account. More indoor and outdoor water-saving tips can be found on New Jersey American Water’s website at newjerseyamwater.com/conservation and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Conservation Website. More information about New Jersey American Water’s customer assistance programs can be found at newjerseyamwater.com/h2oprogram.

About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram. 

Media Contact: 
Erin Banes
Sr. Manager of External Communications
New Jersey American Water
erin.banes@amwater.com 

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SOURCE American Water

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Mr. Drain Plumbing is proud to announce the successful completion of its inaugural Flush Away Hunger canned food drive. This friendly competition rallied both customers and employees to support families in need this Thanksgiving season. Held from November 1st to 20th, the initiative brought the community together in a fun and meaningful way, with all donations benefiting the Orangevale–Fair Oaks Food Bank, which serves local households facing food insecurity.

The food drive challenged customers and team members to see who could donate the most shelf-stable items. As an added thank-you, customers who donated four or more items received a 10% off coupon toward their next plumbing service. All collected items will directly support the Food Bank’s mission to provide food, resources, and hope to neighbors throughout the holiday season.

“This time of year can be especially difficult for many families, and we’re grateful to everyone who joined us in giving what they could,” said Patrick Fee, Co-Founder of Mr. Drain. “Our goal wasn’t to pat ourselves on the back, but simply to make a difference in our community. It all starts with small acts, and we’re honored to be part of that effort.”

Mr. Drain encourages residents to continue supporting the Orangevale–Fair Oaks Food Bank and other local nonprofits, as the need for donations extends well beyond the holidays.

About Mr. Drain Plumbing
Mr. Drain Plumbing is dedicated to delivering exceptional service in every aspect of residential and commercial plumbing throughout the Sacramento area. Their experienced, fully insured team uses advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment to provide reliable solutions, from water heater repair and hydro-jetting to trenchless pipe replacement. Customer satisfaction and community are at the heart of everything they do.

To learn more about Mr. Drain, visit the company’s website at https://www.mrdrainplumbers.com. To learn about current seasonal specials and coupons, visit https://www.mrdrainplumbers.com/coupons/. Contact: Micheala Wood at micheala.wood@mrdrain.pro.

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SOURCE Mr. Drain

Letter Urges Shareholders to Vote the GREEN Universal Proxy Card for Nominees. 

CHICAGO, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Edward Smolyansky today announced that he has filed a Definitive Proxy Statement (DEFN14A) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Lifeway Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWAY). The action continues the effort toward comprehensive board change to finally end the long-running governance failures, value destruction, and entrenched leadership practices that have plagued the Company at the expense of its shareholders.

Dear Shareholders,

I, together with my mother and co-founder Ludmila Smolyansky, maintain significant ownership in Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) with an aggregate 26.17% stake in the Company.

Over the past year, Lifeway shareholders have witnessed first-hand how a board motivated by both self-interest and entrenchment, and hampered by its legacy of failed governance, can become undone. The recent Cooperation Agreement reached between Lifeway and its largest shareholder Danone North America PBC (“Danone”), calls for favorable governance changes including the separation of the CEO and Chair roles and the mandated refreshment of the Board through the addition of four new independent directors.¹  

While certain shareholders may be satisfied with this outcome, we fear that the Cooperation Agreement did not go far enough in ensuring that Lifeway can move forward with a well-constituted board for the benefit of ALL shareholders. Specifically, we believe that certain legacy directors prioritized self-preservation ahead of long-term value creation, and their continued presence on the Board might ultimately harm shareholders again. Furthermore, we question the vetting process for these new directors and whether a search firm should have been retained to help identify candidates with relevant skills.

We believe that the retention of certain legacy directors along with the addition of new nominees lacking relevant skills and expertise will create another sub-optimal Board for Lifeway and undermine the will of its shareholders in a manner similar to the previous Board. Accordingly, I have nominated two qualified nominees –George Sent and Edward Smolyansky – both of whom have served Lifeway in an executive or director role and thus have relevant industry experience and institutional knowledge.

Additionally, we are seeking to establish the Strategy and Performance Committee, comprised of only new independent directors, to evaluate management and Lifeway’s corporate strategy.

The Danone Debacle

On September 23, 2024, Danone offered to buy Lifeway for $25 per share, later increasing the bid to $27 per share, representing a 72% premium. The Board rejected both offers and adopted a rights plan. Legal disputes arose over a shareholder agreement and a stock grant to CEO Julie Smolyansky. In July 2025, a consent solicitation was launched to replace the Board, prompting governance improvements through a Cooperation Agreement. Despite citing topline growth as justification for rejecting the offers, the Board lacked a clear strategy to boost share price, raising concerns about management’s effectiveness and alignment with shareholder interests. Danone eventually gained influence on Board membership without paying a control premium, but new directors lack relevant industry experience. The Board requires independent members not tied to either the CEO or Danone.

Self-Dealing by Legacy Directors

Shareholders have repeatedly opposed CEO compensation, with Institutional Shareholder Services advising against it due to excessive pay. Jason Burdeen, the CEO’s spouse, received $313,800 as Chief of Staff in 2024 without a formal contract. In December 2024, the Board granted the CEO $6.5 million in shares and a $2 million cash bonus—totaling $8.5 million, 94% of net income and nearly matching three years’ total CEO pay. These actions eroded shareholder trust. The combined CEO/Chair structure has compromised Board independence, and shareholders are encouraged to vote “WITHHOLD” for Jason Scher at the 2025 meeting.

Questionable Stock Sales

Amid the negotiations with Danone, shareholders should be deeply concerned as to why Lead Independent Director and Chair of the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee, Jason Scher, sold 24,566 of his 24,567 shares at an average share price of $24.23, thereby reducing his ownership in Lifeway stock to a single common share in June of 2025.² This seems inconsistent with the Board’s view that Danone’s $27 offer price significantly undervalued the Company. Furthermore, the Board has yet to address how its Lead Independent Director is not in violation of the Company’s Director Stock Ownership and Holding Policy by reducing his ownership to a single share instead of the required 200% of the annual retainer. 

Continued Governance Failures

Following the announcement of the Cooperation Agreement on September 30, 2025, there continues to be signs of failed governance that plagued the previous Board. On October 29, 2025, the Company extended the poison pill for another year.³ While the intent is typically to deter hostile takeover attempts, which the Company acknowledges is not a risk, the unintended consequence is that credible merger and/or acquisition interest is often discouraged. We fear that the same legacy directors that worked to oppose the Danone sale may continue to eschew other credible offers at the expense of shareholders.  

We note that the latest shareholder letter from the “new” Board demonstrates an ongoing pattern of actions aligning closely with those of the CEO. This includes issuing a shareholder communication under their own name containing statements that appear not to have undergone independent verification. The letter also contains critiques seemingly based on personal conjecture  rather than objective and appropriate evaluation by the Board.

We also note that a byproduct of such attacks has been the Company’s propensity to engage in meritless and costly litigation with its largest shareholders versus constructive dialogue centered around long-term value creation.  

Regarding the annual meeting of shareholders, the Company not only delayed the 2025 meeting unnecessarily from June to December but also failed to provide the customary notice period of 45 days. The Company’s last shareholder meeting occurred in June of 2024. The December 29, 2025, meeting date was announced with the publication of the definitive proxy filed on December 1, 2025.

While we applaud the comprehensive refreshment mandated by the recent Cooperation Agreement, we continue to be reminded that the Lifeway Board has not in fact turned the proverbial corner in the way that is administers governance and engages with its shareholders.

We believe that Lifeway’s hostility towards certain shareholders deflects attention away from those matters most important to investors: ridding the Board of the persistent misconduct and governance failures that has caused the Company’s share price to underachieve. It is only by removing those legacy directors most responsible for the Board’s prior misconduct that the Company will be able to embrace accountability and effect the type of change that shareholders need.

Very truly yours,

Edward Smolyansky

Important Information

This communication is not a request for a proxy to vote on any matter. Any written solicitation of a proxy by Mr. Smolyansky will be made through the definitive proxy statement (the “Shareholder Proxy Statement”). Lifeway shareholders are urged to read the Shareholder Proxy Statement, including any amendments or supplements thereto, and any other soliciting materials, when they become available as they will contain important information. Shareholders may obtain, free of charge, copies of the Shareholder Proxy Statement at sec.gov.

Participants in the Solicitation

Mr. Smolyansky has notified the Company of his intent to nominate himself and George Sent for election as directors of Lifeway at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Each of them may be deemed to be a participant in any solicitation of proxies by Mr. Smolyansky. Lifeway shareholders can find information regarding Mr. Smolyansky and Mr. Sent, and their respective direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, in the Shareholder Proxy Statement and in Mr. Smolyansky’s other filings with the SEC, all of which information is incorporated herein by reference.

¹ Danone Lifeway Cooperation Agreement 9/30/2025 
² SEC FORM 4 – Jason Scher 6/26/2025 
³ Lifeway Shareholder Rights Plan 10/29/2025

Contact: 
Edward Smolyansky
esmolyansky79@icloud.com 

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SOURCE Edward and Ludmila Smolyansky

Investment supports efforts to reduce dust emissions

DIAMOND BAR, Calif., Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) approved $220,000 in funding to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to extend regional street sweeping for another year. The additional funding will help reduce dust from “blowsand” and roadway activity—an ongoing challenge in Coachella Valley.

“Extending the street-sweeping program is a continued strategy to control dust and protect public health while we advance broader, medium and long-term dust-mitigation strategies,” said V. Manuel Perez, Riverside County Supervisor and South Coast AQMD Governing Board member.

The funding adds to the $1.15 million awarded in 2019 for CVAG’s sweeping program that helps control particulate matter (PM10) pollution. Coachella Valley faces a unique challenge where strong winds routinely push fine sand onto paved surfaces, where traffic breaks it into particles that become airborne. Without regular sweeping, these particles can travel into populated areas, cause poor air quality and pose respiratory problems such as worsening asthma.

The program provides weekly street sweeping across about 43,000 curb miles each year, reducing an estimated 0.4 tons of PM10 per day. Crews use low-emission natural gas sweepers, with pickup and dump trucks on designated routes. Additional sand-cleanup occurs after major wind events.

On November 6, South Coast AQMD and Supervisor Perez hosted a Dust Summit featuring community input, scientific presentations, and updates on current and future dust-mitigation efforts in Coachella Valley.

To support long-term dust-reduction planning, South Coast AQMD has installed a camera in San Jacinto State Park to track dust generation and movement on the valley floor, with another camera planned for the eastern valley. In October, South Coast AQMD adopted a three-part dust-reduction plan focusing on identifying major dust sources, developing targeted mitigation strategies, and funding projects to reduce emissions in the most affected areas.

South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. For news, air quality alerts, event updates and more, please visit us at www.aqmd.gov, download our award-winning app, or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

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SOURCE SOUTH COAST AQMD

HOUSTON, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The ASK Academy Middle School Robotics Team is gearing up for the national stage after earning second place overall at the New Mexico state robotics competition this past weekend in Hobbs. The team will proudly represent the state as New Mexico’s only middle school finalist at the Texas BEST Robotics World Championships in Dallas December 11 – 13.

Helping make that trip possible is Ezee Fiber, which has donated $7,500 to cover the scholars’ travel expenses as part of its ongoing commitment to STEM education and workforce development in the communities it serves.

“We are incredibly inspired by the talent, creativity, and determination of these students,” said Carlos Rosas, Ezee Fiber New Mexico Senior Vice President/General Manager. “They design, build, and program their own robots, present to panels of judges, and compete at the highest level—all skills that mirror what it takes to succeed in today’s technology-driven world. Supporting these young innovators isn’t just an investment in education—it’s an investment in the future of our industry and our community.”

The ASK Academy’s Robotics Program provides hands-on opportunities for students to explore engineering, coding, teamwork, and problem-solving, preparing them for high-demand careers in science and technology.

“Ezee Fiber’s generosity means our students can take their talents to a national stage,” said Catherine Noble, ASK Academy Middle School Project Manager. “It’s exciting for them to see that companies right here in New Mexico believe in their potential.”

Ezee Fiber’s sponsorship is part of its broader effort to support local schools and programs that inspire the next generation of engineers, technicians, and innovators—the same types of professionals who help the company build and maintain its cutting-edge fiber network across New Mexico and beyond.

About Ezee Fiber

Ezee Fiber is a rapidly growing, Houston-based fiber internet provider delivering premium multi-gig service to residential, business, and government customers over a 100% fiber-optic network—at exceptional value.

The company’s carrier-grade infrastructure spans Texas, New Mexico, Illinois and Washington, and is supported by local teams who live and work in the communities it serves. Ezee Fiber’s industry-leading speeds, award-winning local customer service, and transparent pricing model set the company apart from the competition. Learn more at www.ezeefiber.com

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SOURCE Ezee Fiber

NORTH VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Hydron Energy, a leading innovator in renewable gas upgrading and clean fuel solutions, has been recognized by Foresight Canada as one of its Top 50 Investable Clean Tech Companies for 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights Hydron Energy’s pioneering contributions to advancing sustainable technologies and driving Canada’s transition toward a low-carbon, resilient economy.

Foresight Canada’s annual Foresight 50 list showcases the country’s most promising cleantech ventures—those with the potential to deliver transformative environmental impact and strong investment potential. Hydron Energy was selected for its breakthrough biogas upgrading technology which is capable of producing renewable natural gas at price parity with fossil fuels. Hydron’s INTRUPTor platform enhances the economics of the renewable fuel projects and reduces the industries dependency on regulatory incentives.

“We’re honoured to be named among Foresight Canada’s Top 50 Investable Clean Tech Companies,” said Soheil Khiavi, CEO of Hydron Energy. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition and creating solutions that enable a more sustainable economy.”

“Being recognized by Foresight Canada affirms the hard work and vision of our team,” added Craig Bond, Director of Sales and Business Development of Hydron Energy. “We’re excited to continue partnering with industry, investors, and policymakers to deliver clean energy solutions that support a prosperous future.”

Hydron Energy’s Intensified Regenerative Upgrading Platform Technology (INTRUPTor™) represents a breakthrough in gas separation and upgrading. At its core, the INTRUPTor utilizes a novel biomimicry-based metal organic framework (MOF) that upgrades raw biogas into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas. This breakthrough system operates under ambient conditions, dramatically simplifying plant design and fabrication. This innovative approach enables cost reductions of up to 50% and delivers 80% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional commercial technologies. Hydron has commercialized this platform to produce RNG from anaerobic digesters, wastewater treatment facilities, and landfills.

About Hydron Energy

Hydron Energy’s INTRUPTor solution is an advanced gas upgrading technology that turns waste into value, enabling cost-effective production of clean fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The company’s solutions are designed to make renewable energy accessible, scalable, and economically viable for global markets. To learn more, visit https://hydron.ca/

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SOURCE Hydron Energy Inc.