Author: sHq_LoGiNz

South Florida Leaders, Financial Institutions, and Entrepreneurs Gather to Highlight the Economic Impact of Financial Education

FR. LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Consolidated Credit hosted its annual Financial Literacy Month Breakfast, bringing together banks, credit unions, municipal leaders, elected officials, business owners, and nonprofit partners to celebrate this year’s theme: “The Business of Community.”

The event underscored the vital role financial education plays in strengthening families, empowering entrepreneurs, and driving long-term economic resilience.

“For us, financial literacy is more than education, it’s economic infrastructure,” says Sandra Tobon, Director of Community Outreach at Consolidated Credit. “When families gain financial stability, businesses grow. When entrepreneurs understand credit, communities build wealth. That’s the business of community.”

During the event, Consolidated Credit highlighted several key initiatives from the past year, including:

• Participation in the Hispanic Entrepreneurs Initiative proclamation celebration
• Workshops focused on helping small business owners transition from personal credit to business credit
• Partnerships with community-based foundations to expand access to financial education
• Collaboration with the University of Miami and SCORE Broward to support entrepreneurs and Spanish-speaking small business owners

The event also recognized the community partners and sponsors whose support continues to make this work possible, including City National Bank, Valley Bank, Third Federal Savings and Loan, Wells Fargo, Truist Bank, Comerica, First Bank, Optimum Bank, Citi Bank, and the United Way of Broward County. Their ongoing commitment has played a key role in helping individuals and families move toward greater financial stability and independence.

“Financial literacy becomes powerful when it becomes collaborative,” says April Lewis-Parks, Consolidated Credit’s Director of Financial Education. “Together, we are not just teaching financial education, we are building economic resilience.”

The organization also showcased KOFE: Knowledge of Financial Education, its scalable financial wellness platform that provides employers, credit unions, and municipalities with on-demand coaching, digital tools, webinars, and financial assessments.

“KOFE allows institutions to deliver year-round financial education with measurable impact,” says Ana Maria Ceballos, KOFE Relationships Manger. “It strengthens workforce stability, deepens member engagement, and supports meaningful community reinvestment.”

Consolidated Credit proudly presented the Barry Rothman Financial Education Scholarship to two Broward County high school seniors, made possible by City National Bank and in partnership with United Way of Broward County, the Crockett Foundation, Hispanic Unity of Florida, and the FLITE Center, all of whom share a commitment to advancing early financial education and long-term financial stability.

New for this year, Consolidated Credit introduced the 2026 Money Confidence Roadmap, a practical guide designed to help individuals and families. The roadmap provides structured strategies to build savings, manage debt, strengthen credit, and increase financial confidence.

About Consolidated Credit
Consolidated Credit is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome financial challenges through education, counseling, and community partnerships. For more than 30 years, the organization has provided financial literacy programs, housing counseling, debt management services, and workplace financial wellness solutions nationwide.

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SOURCE Consolidated Credit

Financing will support completion of Chrysalis, the world’s largest medical isotope production facility, establishing first commercial supply of molybdenum-99

JANESVILLE, Wis., April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SHINE announced today it has received a conditional commitment for a loan of $263M from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF). If approved, the financing will support the completion of Chrysalis, a first-of-a-kind medical isotope production facility that will establish the first domestic commercial supply of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99). Chrysalis, driven by SHINE’s fusion technology platform, is expected to have major advantages over conventional production methods.

Chrysalis represents the first deployment of new nuclear technology at this scale in decades. The facility uses novel American-made fusion systems to produce Mo-99—a life-saving medical isotope used in over 40,000 procedures daily to diagnose heart disease, cancer, and other serious medical conditions. By establishing U.S. production capability, Chrysalis addresses a critical national security vulnerability while demonstrating American leadership in advanced nuclear systems.

“Chrysalis proves that fusion doesn’t need to wait for future breakthroughs to create value for millions of people today,” said Greg Piefer, founder and CEO of SHINE. “This conditional commitment is a critical catalyst that accelerates our scale-up of the world’s largest medical isotope facility and ensures a secure, domestic source of critical medical isotopes. We are incredibly grateful to the Department of Energy’s rigorous due diligence process and look forward to working to meet the conditions to move forward on the loan.”

The United States currently relies on imports from Europe, South Africa and Australia for its Mo-99 supply. These imports are produced in venerable but aging research reactors that are nearing or at capacity. Mo-99 decays at about 1 percent per hour, so the U.S. loses roughly one-third of its volume and value during cross-continental transportation. Chrysalis will shore up global supply chains as the only new multi-million dose per year infrastructure expected in the next decade, eliminating logistical vulnerabilities while providing secure, reliable domestic supply.

SHINE’s process uses fusion and a liquid uranium target that is recycled. This reduces both waste volume and operating costs.

This milestone is the culmination of more than 15 years of significant collaboration with U.S. National Laboratories and consistent support from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). This conditional commitment is instrumental in demonstrating the reliability and safety of SHINE’s fusion-based approach, which provides a modern, sustainable alternative to aging nuclear reactors. 

Once fully operational, Chrysalis will be the largest medical isotope production facility in the world, demonstrating fusion technology at commercial scale. While primarily focused on Mo-99, the facility is designed to be a versatile source for other critical isotopes, including iodine-131, xenon-133 and many others.

Chrysalis represents a significant investment in American advanced manufacturing and domestic supply chains. The project is a cornerstone of Janesville’s transition from its historical automotive roots to a high-tech nuclear future, supporting approximately 200 construction jobs and 150 permanent operations positions.

While this conditional commitment from EDF indicates the Department’s intent to provide a loan to finance the project, DOE and the company must satisfy certain technical, legal, environmental, and financial conditions before the Department enters into definitive financing documents and funds the loan. 

About SHINE

Headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin, SHINE is an industry leader in next-generation fusion, developing innovative fusion-based technology that combines safety, cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility.

SHINE has successfully commercialized fusion across multiple applications, including neutron testing markets such as neutron radiography, radiation-effects testing and fusion material research. It has commercialized and is scaling its proprietary medical isotope production, processes, supplying high-quality radioisotopes essential for procedures including diagnosing heart disease and cancer as well as cancer therapy.

Beyond these applications, SHINE is pioneering nuclear waste recycling to make nuclear energy more sustainable. Its long-term purpose is to change the way humans make energy by commercializing fusion energy. Unlike other fusion companies, SHINE takes a commercially driven path mirroring successful deep-tech industries. Through this visionary approach, SHINE is advancing technology, healthcare, and sustainable energy, making a lasting impact across multiple sectors.  Learn more at www.shinefusion.com

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SOURCE SHINE Technologies, LLC

HONG KONG, April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNOOC Limited (“the Company”, SEHK: 00883 (HKD counter) and 80883 (RMB counter), SSE: 600938) released its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report in Hong Kong today.

• Adhere to efficient governance and solidify the foundation for development
• Advance green transition and foster a sustainable ecosystem
• Fulfill social responsibility and share the benefits of development

Faced with profound adjustments in the global energy market and fragmentation of the climate governance landscape, CNOOC Limited adheres to the principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability, and embeds ESG concepts into development strategy and the entire process of operation. ESG governance has been improved to safeguard the Company’s high-quality growth. In 2025, the Company received numerous domestic and international accolades, including the “Corporate Sustainability Leadership Awards – Gold Award” from The Asset magazine and the “China Listed Company Value Awards ESG” from Securities Times, reflecting broad stakeholder recognition of the Company’s high-quality development achievements.

CNOOC Limited is committed to efficient governance. The Company endeavors to improve decision-making through building a diversified Board of Directors and enhancing the directors’ capabilities. ESG-related mechanisms are optimized. Ten key tasks have been completed, including ESG indicator system optimization and climate-related disclosure studies. The Company continues to enhance its risk management and internal compliance systems. Due diligence reviews on ESG issues are conducted. Audits on risk management processes are carried out on a regular basis. All employees have signed the Letter of Commitment on Compliance. Anti-commercial bribery and anti-corruption trainings are arranged to ensure sound corporate governance.

CNOOC Limited is steadily advancing green transition. The Company continues to optimize its product mix and enhances the capacity of clean energy supply. CNOOC Limited adheres to green and low-carbon production throughout the entire process. Energy efficiency has been improved. The application of shore power has been expanded, driving the consumption of green electricity to 1.08 billion kWh in 2025. Flare gas recovery has also achieved remarkable progress. Integrated development of hydrocarbon and renewable businesses has continued. The Company has made solid progress in offshore wind resource acquisition. Hainan CZ7 wind farm project and the world’s first 16-MW Tension Leg Platform (TLP) floating wind power project are advancing in an orderly manner. Carbon-negative sectors are fostered. The Company has led the development of two national offshore CCUS standards, and successfully commissioned China’s first offshore CCUS demonstration project at Enping 15-1. Offshore trials for deep-sea CO₂ hydrate solidification and sequestration have been carried out to explore “shore-to-sea carbon sequestration” potentials. The preliminary research on oil-gas-electricity-hydrogen-carbon comprehensive energy demonstration project has started. CNOOC Limited adheres to technology-led development. Its annual R&D expenditure registered a 22% year-on-year increase. Digital and intelligent transformation is advanced. The unmanned rate of offshore platforms has been increasing steadily. “Shenhai-1” gas field is selected into China’s first batch of pioneer-class smart factory cultivation list.

CNOOC Limited actively fulfills its social responsibilities. Upholding the community co-building approach of “EMPOWER-Empowering communities, limitless acts of kindness”, the Company continues to implement public welfare projects in rural revitalization, educational support, and ecological protection. The total annual investment exceeds RMB 134 million, including RMB 74.68 million invested in rural revitalization, which has benefitted approximately 6 million people. In terms of production safety, the Company has been optimizing the accountability system to reinforce the foundation of “Safe CNOOC”. Safety improvement campaigns and hazard inspections and rectifications are carried out, to maintain a stable safety performance throughout the year. In line with its talent-driven strategy, the Company enhances employee care and engagement, promoting mutual growth between staff and the Company to improve the employees’ sense of safety, belonging, and fulfillment. As for supply chain, CNOOC Limited has been deepening reforms and focusing on ESG-related issues. Compliance trainings for suppliers are implemented, to facilitate a green, win-win, and clean supply chain. CNOOC Limited enhances stakeholder communication and transparency in information disclosure. It has been rated as A-grade in the information disclosure assessment conducted by the Shanghai Stock Exchange for three consecutive years.

Looking ahead, Mr. Zhang Chuanjiang, Chairman of the Company, said: “CNOOC Limited will foster new quality productive forces for marine energy and resources development, and rely on a robust ESG management and disclosure system, to achieve high-quality and sustainable growth. We will strive to build a world-class energy and resources group with distinctive marine characteristics. By pursuing stable development, delivering superior performance, and fulfilling responsibilities, we aim to share the benefits of growth with all stakeholders. We look forward to joining hands with you to create a sustainable and prosperous future together.”

— End —

Notes to Editors:

More information about the Company is available at https://www.cnoocltd.com. 

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This press release includes forward-looking information, including statements regarding the likely future developments in the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as expected future events, business prospects or financial results. The words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company as of this date in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the current expectations and predictions of the Company is uncertain. Actual results, performance and financial condition may differ materially from the Company’s expectations, as a result of salient factors including but not limited to those associated with macro-political and economic factors, fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, climate change and environment policies, the Company’s price forecast, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, “health, safety, security and environment” (HSSE) and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations.

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For further enquiries, please contact:

Liu Cui
Media & Public Relations
CNOOC Limited
Tel: +86-10-8452-6641
Fax: +86-10-8452-1441
E-mail: mr@cnooc.com.cn 

Cheng Yao
Ever Bloom (HK) Communications Consultants Group Limited
Tel: +852 5540 0725
Fax: +852 2111 1103
E-mail: cnooc.hk.list@everbloom.com.cn 

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SOURCE CNOOC Limited

Recognition Underscores Firm’s Unmatched Track Record Representing Southern California Accident Victims Since 1999

LOS ANGELES, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Steven M. Sweat, founding attorney of Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC, has been selected to the Southern California Super Lawyers list for 2026, marking the 14th consecutive year the firm’s lead attorney has earned this prestigious peer recognition. Super Lawyers honors no more than five percent of attorneys in each state, making the distinction one of the most selective in the legal profession.

First named to the list in 2012, Mr. Sweat has maintained the honor every year since — a streak that reflects both sustained courtroom performance and the deep trust of colleagues and clients throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding Southern California communities. His practice focuses exclusively on representing injured individuals and wrongful death victims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless the firm recovers compensation on their behalf.

“For more than three decades, my sole focus has been fighting for people who have been seriously hurt through no fault of their own. Being recognized by fellow attorneys year after year reinforces that our approach — aggressive advocacy combined with genuine compassion — is making a difference for the families we serve.”
— Steven M. Sweat, Founding Attorney

In addition to the Super Lawyers honor, Mr. Sweat holds an Avvo rating of 10.0 (Superb), has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — a distinction limited to attorneys who have achieved verdicts or settlements exceeding one million dollars. He earned his J.D. from California Western School of Law and has devoted his entire career to personal injury litigation.

The firm handles a wide range of serious injury matters, including automobile and motorcycle collisions, truck accidents, traumatic brain injuries, catastrophic injury cases, premises liability, and wrongful death claims throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.

Injured individuals seeking a free, confidential consultation with Mr. Sweat are encouraged to visit victimslawyer.com.

About Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC
Founded in 1999 and headquartered at 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90064, Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC has spent more than 25 years exclusively representing accident victims and wrongful death families across Southern California. The firm accepts all personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis — no recovery, no fee.

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SOURCE Steven M Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC