Tag: PR Newswire

• Major airport renovations include improved lobbies, gates, and amenities at Honolulu, Līhu’e, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo, plus a new premium lounge in Honolulu.
• The airline will update its app and website, offering better travel planning and self-service features, and invest in new technology for employees.
• The carrier is investing in a refreshed onboard experience with upgraded widebody Airbus A330 interiors, while offering enhanced rewards and exclusive benefits to loyal Hawai’i residents.

HONOLULU, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hawaiian Airlines, a part of Alaska Airlines, today unveiled an investment plan of more than $600 million over five years to comprehensively enhance the experience for guests traveling to, from and within the islands by modernizing airport spaces, upgrading technology and retrofitting aircraft interiors, while expanding  community and sustainability work across Hawai’i.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Kahuʻewai Hawai’i Investment Plan will improve the guest experience from booking to the day of travel and provide airport and in-flight teams with modern tools and spaces to welcome travelers with their award-winning Hawaiian hospitality. Investments will also help Hawaiian advance lower emission technologies and programs promoting regenerative tourism, culture and conservation.

“Hawaiian Airlines is proud to call Hawai’i home, to reflect the spirit of the islands, to take care of our local guests and welcome visitors, and support our communities,” said Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow. “Our Kahu’ewai Hawai’i Investment Plan represents one of Hawaiian Airlines’ largest single investments in our infrastructure, products and services in Hawai’i. It reflects our kuleana to our people and guests in the islands and reinforces our commitment to deliver safe and remarkable service that enables Hawai’i and Hawaiian Airlines to thrive.”

Kahuʻewai signifies fresh water bursting forth as a metaphor for vital resources. Much like water that flows and nurtures, the investments will deliver benefits across Hawaiian Airlines and communities in Hawai’i today and for a long time to come.

They include:

• Airports: Starting this year through 2029, Hawaiian Airlines will renovate lobbies and gates in Honolulu, Līhu’e, Kahului, Kona and Hilo to improve passenger flow and comfort, with bright, elegant open spaces and better seating and amenities like increased power charging. In Honolulu, Hawaiian’s busiest hub, the airline will build a spacious 10,600-square-foot premium lounge at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1 – setting a new standard of preflight comfort.
• Technology: This spring, Hawaiian Airlines will launch an updated, modern app and website with improved functionality to simplify travel planning, booking and trip management with self-service features like changing flights and redeeming award travel on global partners. The airline is also investing in new technology to support employees in their critical roles across the operation. Full functionality of these tools – and a significantly smoother guest experience – will be possible once Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines share the same passenger service system and Hawaiian Airlines joins the oneworld alliance, both scheduled for late April.
• Aircraft: Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet of widebody Airbus A330s, based in Honolulu, will undergo a full interior upgrade, starting in 2028, with new seats, carpets, lighting, first class suites, and a premium economy cabin. Guests will also enjoy a Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment system with high-definition seatback screens and an extensive movie and music library, along with fast and free Starlink Wi-Fi. The airline is also acquiring three of its A330 aircraft off lease to support the future of this fleet in its service across the Pacific.
• Loyalty: Later this year, Hawaiian Airlines will reward Hawai’i residents who are members of its popular Huaka’i by Hawaiian loyalty program with a 50% bonus on Atmos Rewards points and status points earned on Neighbor Island flights, adding to exclusive kama’āina benefits that include a free checked bag, 10% or 20% quarterly discounts when flying within the state, and monthly systemwide deals.
• Community Impact: Hawaiian Airlines remains deeply engaged in the community, with expanded partnerships in education and workforce development initiatives, new grant-making opportunities, regenerative tourism efforts through its Travel Pono program, and new investments to preserve Hawai’i’s natural resources and to advance new technologies for a more sustainable future.   

“Hawaiian Airlines’ investment is exactly the kind of long-term commitment Hawaiʻi needs,” said Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green. “Modern, welcoming airports improve the experience for residents and visitors alike, strengthen our economy and keep Hawaiʻi competitive as a global destination. We appreciate Hawaiian Airlines’ partnership in advancing workforce development, regenerative tourism, clean energy, and community programs that reflect the values of our islands.”

As part of its community and sustainability initiatives, Hawaiian is expanding a partnership with business accelerator Mana Up through an investment in its Mana Up Capital II fund to help more local companies scale for the global market. Hawaiian has featured more than a dozen local retailers in the food, fashion, beauty and home and art sectors in its onboard service since becoming Mana Up’s official airline sponsor in 2017.

Hawaiian last month announced it is investing in locally produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce flight emissions and support agriculture in partnership with Pono Pacific and Par Hawaii, and that it would be the first airline to take deliveries of Hawai’i-made SAF later this year. The airline is also working to advance innovative lower-emission options for short-haul air service with an investment in hybrid-electric propulsion developer Ampaire and increasing use of electric ground service vehicles at Honolulu airport.

Finally, the airline will be providing grants to nonprofit organizations promoting cultural programs, environmental preservation, and perpetuation of native Hawaiian art and language through the Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation, a newly-integrated 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to these efforts in their two namesake states.

The Hawaiian Airlines’ Kahuʻewai Hawai’i Investment Plan is part of Alaska Air Group’s Alaska Accelerate strategic plan to deliver on the combined airline’s vision of connecting guests to the world with a remarkable travel experience rooted in safety, care and performance.

For images, visit: https://news.alaskaair.com/images-videos/hawaii-investment-plan

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance, with Hawaiian scheduled to join oneworld in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

 

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SOURCE Hawaiian Airlines

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Birdbuddy, the nature tech company redefining how people connect with backyard wildlife, today unveiled its next-generation of smart bird feeders – the Birdbuddy 2 and the Birdbuddy 2 Mini – during CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

Also on display will be the Petal Smart Nature Camera, part of Birdbuddy’s new Wonder product line, which raised $2.5 million in a highly successful Kickstarter campaign in 2025 – signaling strong consumer demand for Birdbuddy’s expanding nature tech ecosystem.

Announcement Highlights

• New generation of Birdbuddy smart feeders combines high-definition imaging, advanced AI bird species recognition, and modular design for richer nature engagement
• Birdbuddy 2 delivers 2K HDR video, a wide field of view, dual integrated solar power, dual-band Wi-Fi, enhanced audio for capturing bird behavior, integrated perch extender and a bigger seed capacity
• Birdbuddy 2 Mini offers the same core camera quality and AI bird identification in a compact, approachable experience for first-time smart birding enthusiasts, with a smaller seed capacity, an easy-refill roof, and an optional solar panel
• Birdbuddy continues to expand an ecosystem that began with smart feeders and now includes broader nature capture tools, including the Petal Smart Nature Camera

“Birdbuddy started with a simple idea: help people notice and appreciate the nature already around them,” said Franci Zidar, CEO and Co-Founder of Birdbuddy. “With Birdbuddy 2 and Birdbuddy 2 Mini, we’ve reimagined our smart bird feeder from the ground up – making it more intuitive, more flexible, and more accessible – while continuing to build an ecosystem that lets people connect more deeply with wildlife in their everyday lives.”

What’s New in Birdbuddy 2 and Birdbuddy 2 Mini

Birdbuddy 2 and Birdbuddy 2 Mini introduce a new generation of smart bird feeders, redesigned to be more flexible, more responsive, and easier to use. Both feature a refreshed camera that supports portrait and landscape orientation with instant wake-up, ensuring bird visits are captured the moment they happen. Birdbuddy 2 adds advanced capabilities including dual integrated solar panels, while Birdbuddy 2 Mini delivers the core Birdbuddy experience in a more compact, entry-level design, making smart birding more accessible for first-time users and smaller outdoor spaces.

Birdbuddy 2 Features:

• Redesigned circular camera housing with portrait and landscape mounting flexibility
• 2K HDR video, slow-motion recording, and 135° wide field of view
• Gorilla Glass–protected lens for outdoor durability
• AI species recognition using both visual and audio cues
• High-fidelity microphone for birdsong identification
• Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) for reliable connectivity
• Dual integrated solar panels and automatic night sleep mode
• Integrated perch extender and bigger seed capacity
• Height 9.0 in x Width 6.1 in x  Depth 6.3 in (with perch)
• Availability: Sold-out pre-orders expected to ship February 2026; coming to market mid-2026
• MSRP: $199

Birdbuddy 2 Mini Features:

• Delivers the same intelligent camera and AI bird identification experience as Birdbuddy 2
• Compact form factor for balconies, smaller backyards, and first-time smart birders
• Smaller seed capacity
• Optional single solar panel and perch extender
• Height: 6.95 in x Width: 5.91 in x Depth: 5.31 in (6.24 in with perch)
• Availability: Pre-orders open mid-2026; expected to ship late 2026
• MSRP: $129

Wonder: Continued Nature Tech Expansion

Birdbuddy’s ecosystem began with award-winning smart bird feeders and has expanded to include broader nature capture tools like the Petal Smart Nature Camera, part of the new Wonder brand introduced at CES in 2025. The Petal Smart Nature Camera aims to capture all types of wildlife – from birds to bees and butterflies – helping deepen people’s connection to, and understanding of, the nature around them.

The CES 2025 debut of Petal and a subsequent successful Kickstarter campaign further underscore Birdbuddy’s commitment to empowering nature engagement through intuitive, intelligent technology. Learn more about Wonder and the Petal Camera Kickstarter campaign here.

Experience Birdbuddy at CES 2026

Birdbuddy will be showcasing the Birdbuddy 2, Birdbuddy 2 Mini and Petal Camera at several events throughout CES 2026. To arrange a meeting or demo with the team, contact rhian.humphries@mybirdbuddy.com

• Pepcom Digital Experience –  Monday, January 5, 2026
• ShowStoppers CES –  Tuesday, January 6, 2026
• Jellop Booth @ Eureka Park, Booth #60101 – Tuesday, January 6, 2026
• Kickstarter Booth @ Eureka Park, Booth #60101 – Friday, January 9, 2026 (Petal Camera demo only)

About Birdbuddy

Founded with the mission to help people reconnect with nature, Birdbuddy combines smart technology, thoughtful design, and environmental awareness to create products that inspire joy and learning through wildlife observation. Birdbuddy’s award-winning smart feeders have captured millions of bird moments worldwide and were named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023. For more information, visit www.mybirdbuddy.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2849880/Birdbuddy_2_Mini.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2849881/BB2_studio.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2849882/New_Petal_AddonSolar.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2674810/5691434/Bird_Buddy_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE Bird Buddy Inc.

The new center strengthens the local care infrastructure, delivering integrated medical, social, and in-home care to help older adults age with dignity in their communities.

COMPTON, Calif., Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Habitat Health, in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente, today announced the opening of its first center in the Los Angeles area, serving eligible adults age 55 and older in South Los Angeles. The program offers primary and specialty care, transportation, in-home support, meals, prescriptions, social activities and more—all managed under one roof.

Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California and Habitat Health participants can access industry-leading specialty and hospital-based services at well-established medical centers across the region, including Kaiser Permanente facilities in Downey, Los Angeles, South Bay, and West Los Angeles.

This regional access ensures participants receive coordinated specialty care close to home, while their day-to-day care is managed through Habitat Health’s South LA Center. These services are typically available at no cost to participants who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal through PACE, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which helps seniors continue living independently at home.

Why This Matters for South Los Angeles

South Los Angeles adults living with chronic conditions – such as diabetes, asthma or hypertension, face significantly higher rates of preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits than those living in other parts of the county. For example, the diabetes-related hospitalization rate is 2.5 times higher than in West Los Angeles—highlighting serious gaps in outpatient care. Yet the region remains one of the most medically underserved in the county.

Many residents also speak a primary language other than English, creating additional barriers to accessing culturally competent care—a gap Habitat Health is working to close.

“Bringing this center to Compton is about expanding care options for aging adults, including care beyond the four walls of the clinic,” said Dr. Bechara Choucair, chief health officer, Kaiser Permanente, and a Habitat Health board member. “Our partnership with Habitat Health enables Kaiser Permanente to deliver integrated care to more adults 55 and older in South Los Angeles—so they can better manage chronic conditions, avoid unnecessary hospital visits, and continue living in the communities they call home.”

Proven Impact, Rooted in Community

The PACE model is proven to improve health outcomes for older adults, with benefits including fewer hospitalizations, better mental health, enhanced quality of life for both seniors and caregivers, and reduction in racial and economic health disparities.

Habitat Health’s collaboration with Kaiser Permanente brings this evidence-based, community-centered care model to scale in South Los Angeles, to deliver consistent, trusted care to residents in over 60 local zip codes from Long Beach and Watts to Inglewood and Lynwood.

“Opening our center in Compton helps close a real gap in access to care for older adults across South Los Angeles.” said Matthew Bennett, CEO of Habitat Health. “Our goal is simple: to make care easier to reach, more personal, and truly centered on helping older adults stay independent and engaged in the communities they call home.”

About Habitat Health

Habitat Health empowers older adults to live independently by providing comprehensive insurance, medical, and social support services in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente. The program redefines aging in place to bring more good days and a lasting sense of belonging to participants and their caregivers. The new center is located at 1005 East Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA.

To learn more, please visit www.habitathealth.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-new-kind-of-care-arrives-in-compton-habitat-health-with-kaiser-permanente-opens-south-los-angeles-pace-center-for-adults-age-55-and-over-302652735.html

SOURCE Habitat Health

The new center strengthens the local care infrastructure, delivering integrated medical, social, and in-home care to help older adults age with dignity in their communities.

COMPTON, Calif., Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Habitat Health, in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente, today announced the opening of its first center in the Los Angeles area, serving eligible adults age 55 and older in South Los Angeles. The program offers primary and specialty care, transportation, in-home support, meals, prescriptions, social activities and more—all managed under one roof.

Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California and Habitat Health participants can access industry-leading specialty and hospital-based services at well-established medical centers across the region, including Kaiser Permanente facilities in Downey, Los Angeles, South Bay, and West Los Angeles.

This regional access ensures participants receive coordinated specialty care close to home, while their day-to-day care is managed through Habitat Health’s South LA Center. These services are typically available at no cost to participants who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal through PACE, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which helps seniors continue living independently at home.

Why This Matters for South Los Angeles

South Los Angeles adults living with chronic conditions – such as diabetes, asthma or hypertension, face significantly higher rates of preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits than those living in other parts of the county. For example, the diabetes-related hospitalization rate is 2.5 times higher than in West Los Angeles—highlighting serious gaps in outpatient care. Yet the region remains one of the most medically underserved in the county.

Many residents also speak a primary language other than English, creating additional barriers to accessing culturally competent care—a gap Habitat Health is working to close.

“Bringing this center to Compton is about expanding care options for aging adults, including care beyond the four walls of the clinic,” said Dr. Bechara Choucair, chief health officer, Kaiser Permanente, and a Habitat Health board member. “Our partnership with Habitat Health enables Kaiser Permanente to deliver integrated care to more adults 55 and older in South Los Angeles—so they can better manage chronic conditions, avoid unnecessary hospital visits, and continue living in the communities they call home.”

Proven Impact, Rooted in Community

The PACE model is proven to improve health outcomes for older adults, with benefits including fewer hospitalizations, better mental health, enhanced quality of life for both seniors and caregivers, and reduction in racial and economic health disparities.

Habitat Health’s collaboration with Kaiser Permanente brings this evidence-based, community-centered care model to scale in South Los Angeles, to deliver consistent, trusted care to residents in over 60 local zip codes from Long Beach and Watts to Inglewood and Lynwood.

“Opening our center in Compton helps close a real gap in access to care for older adults across South Los Angeles.” said Matthew Bennett, CEO of Habitat Health. “Our goal is simple: to make care easier to reach, more personal, and truly centered on helping older adults stay independent and engaged in the communities they call home.”

About Habitat Health

Habitat Health empowers older adults to live independently by providing comprehensive insurance, medical, and social support services in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente. The program redefines aging in place to bring more good days and a lasting sense of belonging to participants and their caregivers. The new center is located at 1005 East Rosecrans Avenue, Compton, CA.

To learn more, please visit www.habitathealth.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-new-kind-of-care-arrives-in-compton-habitat-health-with-kaiser-permanente-opens-south-los-angeles-pace-center-for-adults-age-55-and-over-302652735.html

SOURCE Habitat Health

ecoATM kiosks drive the future of sustainability with 56 million electronic devices collected and $1.8B paid to consumers since its founding

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ecoATM ended 2025 with significant progress toward helping create a greener planet, preventing millions of pounds of e-waste from entering landfills and rewarding consumers for responsible recycling through their automated kiosks. Founded in 2009 with a mission to connect people to technology while building a more sustainable future one device at a time, ecoATM is the largest independent recycler of smart devices and manufacturer of device recycling kiosks in the United States.

Key 2025 milestones for the sustainability trailblazer include:

• 7.49 million devices collected and counting
• 2,996,000 lbs. of e-waste kept from landfills
• 7,000th kiosk installed

Notable company milestones for ecoATM in 2025 also include the appointment of new CEO, Matt Furlong, expansion into Canada through their partnership with Walmart, earning the Shelby Report Sustainability in the Food Industry award and adding 21 new retail partners, with 1,100+ new kiosks installed through their existing retail network. With each new kiosk installed, ecoATM makes device recycling accessible to communities, giving shoppers an easy way to make sustainable choices while getting paid.

ecoATM has continued to increase its sustainability impact, keeping 23,509,361 lbs. of e-waste out of landfills and removing 2,476,606 tons of CO2 emissions from the earth’s atmosphere since 2009. That’s the equivalent of 940 fully loaded garbage trucks or the same as taking 430,00 cars off the road.

Since its founding, ecoATM has also seen:

• 56 million devices collected and recycled or refurbished
• $1.8B paid to consumers
• 23,509,361 lbs. of e-waste diverted from landfills

“At ecoATM, our mission has always been rooted in making sustainability accessible to everyone,” said ecoATM CEO, Matt Furlong. “By giving consumers a simple, instant and rewarding way to responsibly recycle their devices, we’re not only reducing e-waste, we’re also empowering millions of people to take part in a more circular, sustainable future. Our kiosks prove that doing the right thing for the planet can also deliver real value to consumers and the communities our retail partners support.”

ecoATM remains committed to building a more sustainable, accessible and rewarding path for device recycling in partnership with its growing network of global retailers. Through continued innovation, strategic retail partnerships and a customer-first approach, ecoATM is making responsible recycling easier to access and integrate into everyday life.

Looking ahead, ecoATM is focused on expanding its network of kiosks, deepening relationships with retail partners and advancing the circular economy by keeping valuable materials in use and out of landfills. As they continue to scale their impact, ecoATM is moving toward its next major milestone: collecting 100 million devices.

About ecoATM

For over 15 years, ecoATM has been a leader in driving the recommerce revolution by expanding access to affordable technology and recycling e-waste. Every year, billions of electronics are discarded into landfills, creating mountains of harmful waste. But many of these devices deserve a second life – one that pays. ecoATM is determined to make it easier than ever for everyone to contribute towards a more sustainable future, one device at a time. Through conveniently located kiosks we give consumers a simple way to dispose of their used phones and other electronics – and get paid for doing it. For retail partners, ecoATM delivers a turn-key, no-cost solution that generates rental income, drives incremental store traffic, enhances the in-store experience and provides measurable sustainability impact.

For more information, visit https://www.ecoatmb2b.com/ 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2025-year-in-review-ecoatm-surpasses-expectations-and-defines-success-in-sustainability-302652808.html

SOURCE ecoATM

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival© (SASIFF), presented by MorseLife, returns for its fourth season with screenings at three locations: the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (Jan. 25-31, 2026), Hooky Entertainment Delray (Feb. 1-5), and the new Glazer Hall in Palm Beach (Feb. 6).

Among the exciting, curated selection of films from all over the world are five cinematic offerings that will be of particular interest to Jewish film fans.

• January 25 – ETHAN BLOOM
• January 26 – DEAD LANGUAGE
• January 27 – THE PIANIST’S CHOICE
• January 28 – FRONTIER
• January 29 – THE TASTERS

“There’s something for everyone in our selection of Jewish-themed films, which run the gamut from a Miami-set comedy and a contemporary Israeli thriller to gripping dramas of WWII Jewish resistance,” promises Barbara Scharres, SASIFF Artistic Director.

The five films targeted to Jewish movie buffs that will be shown at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse during the upcoming Sun & Stars International Film Festival are:

DEAD LANGUAGE
(Mystery, 2025, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Oded Binnum and Mihal Brezis. Israel/Czech Republic/Poland, 110-minutes—In English, Czech and Hebrew with English subtitles)
A marriage gone flat hangs in the balance when Aya (Sarah Adler) goes to the Tel Aviv airport to pick up her husband and, on impulse, departs instead with an arriving stranger (Ulrich Thomsen) by impersonating his driver. The filmmakers expand their Oscar nominated short into a tale of mystery and subterfuge that becomes a delicate dance of longing for a version of a relationship that Aya cannot yet articulate. The strange and benign encounter that she orchestrates with the anonymous businessman only heightens her need to follow a fantasy that takes her to snowy Prague to follow a familiar path allegedly in search of her linguist husband and to reimagine who he and she might be together in a different life.
The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center
Monday, January 26, 4 pm

ETHAN BLOOM
(Coming-of-age Comedy, 2025, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Herschel Faber. USA, 90-minutes)
The Opening Night Screening of The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife.
This delightful film paints a revealing portrait of adolescence, humorously exploring the struggles of an awkward teenager navigating the loss of his mother, his search for faith, and the pressures of his father’s expectations. Starring Hank Greenspan from the CBS hit comedy The Neighborhood and movie/TV actress Rachelle Lefevre (White House Down, Proven Innocent, Boston Legal, Big Wolf on Campus), ETHAN BLOOM captures the perils of first love, religion, and speculation about the afterlife as the 13-year-old title character attempts to evade his Bar Mitzvah by converting to Catholicism. Meanwhile, his widowed dad (played by Joshua Malina from The West Wing) has engaged curvaceous redheaded Rabbi Dani to administer private instruction in the Torah. Talk about complications. Torn in multiple directions, Ethan communes nightly with his mom and dead dog in the heaven he imagines for them, while struggling by day with his enthusiastic discovery of solo pleasures of the flesh. It all comes together in a spectacularly moving finale when faith, sex, love and family all coalesce in well-deserved harmony.
The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center
Sunday, January 25, 7:30 pm

FRONTIER
(Frontera)
(WWII Thriller, 2025, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Judith Colell. Spain/Belgium, 100-minutes—In Catalan, Spanish, French and German with English subtitles)
A small community’s psychic wounds from the Spanish Civil War are opened anew when a Pyrenees mountain village is challenged and divided over their proximity to Nazi-occupied France. Based on true events and starring Miki Esparbé and Bruna Cosí, this film is set in Spain in 1943, in a remote border hamlet where in direct defiance of Franco’s official rejection of Jewish refugees, customs agent Manuel Grau, has surreptitiously teamed up with a smuggler to aid and hide Jews crossing over the mountain trails. Effectively evoking the period and the peril with escalating tension between neighbor and neighbor and husband and wife, director Colell creates a shadowy rural milieu dangerously ruffled by the unfamiliar need to make life-or-death moral choices.
The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center
Wednesday, January 28, 4 pm

THE PIANIST’S CHOICE
(La Choix du Pianiste)
(WWII Drama, 2024, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Jacques Otmezguine. France, 102-minutes—In French and German with English subtitles)
A young pianist’s prodigious talent sets a conflicted course in this meticulously crafted drama that unfolds before, during and after WWII. A German brother and sister suffer under the iron-willed control of their wealthy father, who seeks to crush the musical dreams of son Francois (Oscar Lesage), who finds all his passions in life reciprocated in the arms of his Jewish piano teacher Rachel (Pia Lagrange). Fame comes with liabilities when Francois is forced to perform in Germany, striking a deal with the devil in the effort to save the woman he loves, while his sister becomes a Nazi collaborator. Yet another woman emerges to lovingly influence the disgraced virtuoso’s future as he attempts to reclaim his reputation after the war.
The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center
Tuesday, January 27, 4 pm

THE TASTERS
(WW II Drama / 2025, North Palm Beach County Premiere. Directed by Silvio Soldini. Italy/Belgium/Switzerland, 123-minutes—In German with English subtitles)
The year is 1943, and Rosa (Elisa Schlott), a German wife taking refuge in a small town while her husband fights at the Russian front, is forcibly conscripted to serve as one of Hitler’s tasters in his Polish forest bunker, the Wolf’s Lair. The lavish vegetarian meals prepared for the führer must be tested and tasted to prevent poisoning, and seven local women are forced to serve as the guinea pigs. Fear and paranoia reign, and no one is above suspicion, not the bodyguards, the tasters, or even the gourmet chef himself. For Rosa, an outsider from Berlin, solidarity with the other women is a slippery slope, and solace comes in the form of a dangerous relationship.
The Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center
Thursday, January 29, 4 pm

For more information about SASIFF including a complete list of scheduled screenings or to purchase tickets, please visit www.sasiff.org.

About The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival:
The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival©, presented by MorseLife, aims to bring highly anticipated, critically acclaimed, and thought-provoking films to Palm Beach County. As a world-class film festival, it represents a major contribution to the cultural life of Palm Beach County and returns next month for its fourth season with screenings at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse (Jan. 25-31), Hooky Entertainment Delray (Feb. 1-5), with the closing night screening at glamorous new Glazer Hall in Palm Beach (Feb 6). SASIFF was co-founded by film buffs and cultural philanthropists Donald M. Ephraim and Terri Sriberg. For more information about purchasing tickets or becoming a sponsor, please visit www.sasiff.org, www.facebook.com/DME.SASIFF and www.twitter.com/dmesasiff or www.instagram.com/dme_sasiff, email info@sasiff.org, or call 561.220.6735.

About MorseLife: 
MorseLife serves more than 3,600 seniors every day on its campus in West Palm Beach and through its community outreach programs. Founded in 1983, MorseLife is a provider of health care and residential services for seniors in Palm Beach County. A charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs also include short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, independent and assisted living, memory care assisted living, hospice, home health care, care management, meals-on-wheels, and PACE. Since its beginnings, MorseLife has built a reputation and tradition of caring for seniors with excellence, dignity, and compassion. For more information, visit morselife.org, www.facebook.com/MorseLife, www.twitter.com/MorseLifeHealth, www.instagram.com/morselifehealth or www.linkedin.com/company/morselife-inc-/ or contact info@morselife.org.

Available for Interview:
Barbara Scharres, Artistic Director
The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival
773.875.0304
Bscharres@sasiff.org 

Media Contact:
Gary Schweikhart
PR-BS
561.756.4298 
gary@pr-bs.net

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SOURCE MorseLife

Salt allocation paves the way for Natura to deploy the first Gen IV nuclear reactor in the U.S.

ABILENE, Texas, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Natura Resources LLC (Natura), a leading developer of advanced molten-salt nuclear reactors (MSR), today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has selected the company to receive the coolant salt used in the historic Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE). Natura was selected as part of a competitive Offer for Material Distribution issued by DOE in August 2025.

The salt coolant allocation is a pivotal milestone in the race to deploy next-generation nuclear power. The coolant salt, known as FLiBE, contains 99.99% enriched lithium-7 (Li-7), and it is essential for Natura’s 1-MW reactor to achieve criticality next year, keeping the project on track to become one of the first Gen IV nuclear reactor deployed in the United States.

“We deeply value the Department of Energy’s continued support and their confidence in our team as we advance the future of nuclear energy,” said Doug Robison, Founder and CEO of Natura Resources. “With our reactor facility already complete, this salt allocation ensures we can remain on track to deploy our MSR-1 in 2026 — marking a decisive step in advancing next-generation nuclear to deliver reliable, and scalable power for America’s growing energy needs.”

The MSRE, operated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory from 1965 to 1969, demonstrated the viability of liquid-fueled reactor technology. Natura’s MSR-1 builds on that legacy with modern engineering, safety enhancements, and a mission to deliver reliable, affordable baseload power to meet increasing domestic and global demands for energy, medical isotopes, and clean water.

Federal Backing and Regulatory Progress

• Natura was selected in August as one of 10 advanced reactor companies under DOE’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program.
• DOE has conditionally committed to supply High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) for MSR-1.
• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a construction permit in September 2024 for Natura’s 1-MW reactor at Abilene Christian University. Natura is now pursuing DOE authorization to construct and operate, leveraging the NRC’s prior approval.

Natura’s reactor facility is already constructed, detailed engineering and design (DED) is complete, and the procurement process has begun for the MSR-1 reactor deployment.

Natura is building SMRs that use liquid fuel dissolved in a molten salt mixture. This design operates at high temperature and atmospheric pressure, enhancing safety while reducing waste. It can use several fuel types, including recycled waste fuel and enables harvesting of rare medical isotopes critical for cancer treatment.

Natura’s modular construction lowers capital costs compared with traditional light water reactors, making the company’s 100-MW commercial-scale reactor cost competitive with other clean 24/7 baseload power generation, including natural gas.

The efficiency and design of Natura’s 100-MW reactor will also make it an ideal solution for produced water desalination, a critical issue for the Permian Basin and other areas of the U.S. with significant oil and gas production.

The company expects to deploy its first 100-MW commercial SMR in 2029.

About Natura Resources

Natura Resources LLC is a leading advanced small modular reactor developer committed to answering increasing domestic and global demands for reliable energy, medical isotopes, and clean water. Natura’s reactors are liquid-fueled and molten salt-cooled, which enhances safety and reduces waste. With the first construction permit for a liquid-fueled reactor from the NRC, Natura has established itself as a leading force in the advanced nuclear industry, fueled by a commitment to support America’s energy future. The company is privately owned and has secured more than $120 million in private funding and a commitment of $120 million from the State of Texas. For more information, www.naturaresources.com.

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SOURCE Natura Resources

KING, ON, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – Priestly Demolition Inc. (PDI) is pleased to announce a series of executive leadership appointments that mark a significant milestone in the company’s continued evolution and long-term growth strategy.

Shane Stewart has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of PDI. In addition, Brian Priestly has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Andrew Smith has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO).      

A Leader for PDI’s Next Chapter

Shane Stewart joins PDI at a pivotal moment as the organization accelerates its growth, diversification, and operational sophistication. He brings a strong track record of building, scaling, and transforming businesses across Canada and the US, with experience spanning construction, infrastructure, and demolition-adjacent projects. Shane brings extensive experience leading complex and remote operations.

He is also recognized for building strong relationships with Indigenous communities and for implementing innovative operational initiatives. Shane’s experience within family-owned businesses aligns closely with PDI’s culture and values.

Internal Leadership Strengthened

As part of this leadership evolution, PDI is proud to elevate two long-standing leaders from within the organization.

As Chief Operating Officer, Brian Priestly will lead operational strategy and execution across all divisions. Brian has played a pivotal role in guiding PDI through years of growth, strengthening organizational structure, and supporting major initiatives. His hands-on leadership style and commitment to operational excellence position him well to lead PDI’s operations into the future.

As Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Smith will continue to oversee PDI’s financial strategy, planning, and governance. A trusted financial leader, Andrew has successfully navigated periods of growth and increasing complexity while ensuring financial discipline and strategic alignment. His deep understanding of the business will be critical as PDI continues to scale.

Leadership Transition

With Shane’s appointment, Ryan Priestly will transition from Chief Executive Officer to focus fully on his role as Owner, providing long-term strategic oversight and supporting the executive team through this transition.

Together, Shane, Brian, Andrew and the Executive Team will guide PDI’s next phase—strengthening its foundation, expanding its footprint, and continuing to build a resilient, value-driven organization globally.

About Priestly Demolition Inc.
PDI is an award-winning, leading provider of specialized demolition, environmental, and infrastructure services, delivering complex projects while remaining committed to safety, innovation, and strong partnerships.

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SOURCE Priestly Demolition Inc.

Decorated Military Leader to Drive Public Sector Strategy and Strengthen Government Partnerships Following Major Contract Wins

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GreenGen, a global leader in energy and resilience solutions, today announced that retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Omar J. Jones IV has joined the company as Chair of its Advisory Board. The appointment comes as GreenGen experiences unprecedented growth in its public sector business and plans to further expand partnerships and services for mission-critical clients. In his role, Jones will advise and advance GreenGen’s public sector strategic initiatives, leveraging his extensive military experience to strengthen the firm’s presence across government markets.

“GreenGen is experiencing more public sector activity than ever before, and Jones’ appointment couldn’t come at a better time,” said Brad Dockser, Founder and CEO of GreenGen. “His deep experience partnering with Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) on installation operations and infrastructure management gives him rare insight into streamlining government–private sector partnerships. He’ll be invaluable as we continue to scale.”

GreenGen is a DOE-qualified ESCO and has a longstanding history of supporting federal, state, and local agencies—including the General Services Administration, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Forest Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation—with energy modernization and resilience initiatives. In 2025, it became the only small business selected for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) IV, positioning the firm to upgrade and decarbonize aging federal facilities through high-efficiency systems, on-site generation, storage, microgrids, and water-saving measures. GreenGen’s public-sector work also continues to expand at the state and local level, including recent awards for developing community solar for the town of Chestertown Maryland and leading the comprehensive decarbonization of the Maryland Port Administration to support its transition toward carbon neutrality.

“After years working with federal facilities, I’ve seen firsthand the urgent need to bolster energy security and resilience to ensure mission-readiness,” said Jones. “GreenGen’s approach integrating energy, real estate, capital markets, and technology uniquely positions the firm to tackle these critical challenges. Joining a global organization headquartered in my home state of Maryland makes this next chapter especially meaningful.”

Over his decorated, 30-year military career, Jones has been recognized for building high-performing teams and forging strong public–private partnerships, experience that directly aligns with GreenGen’s expanding work across the federal, state, and local government sectors. As chair of GreenGen’s advisory board, Jones will help guide strategic priorities, shape account strategies and strengthen the company’s presence in public-sector markets.

For more information on GreenGen’s public sector solutions, projects, or partnership opportunities visit greengen.com/public-sector.

About GreenGen

Founded in 2011, GreenGen is a global leader in energy and sustainability solutions, empowering organizations to Operate in the Green^®. With expertise integrating energy, real estate, capital markets, and technology, GreenGen transforms the built environment by implementing end-to-end strategies that drive financial and environmental outcomes. The GreenGen team unites engineers, PhDs, MBAs, environmental experts, and associates across 10 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and India. GreenGen has completed projects in 25 countries to date.

Media Contact:

Katie O’Shea | Director of Marketing | 301.202.2946 | katie@greengen.com

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SOURCE GreenGen

Donors have chance to win trip to Super Bowl LX during National Blood Donor Month.
Red Cross x Saquon Barkley huddle up for lifesaving play in January.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Red Cross is facing a growing risk of a blood shortage following the holiday season. Currently, the Red Cross is distributing blood products faster than they are coming in. Without immediate action, doctors may have to make difficult decisions about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait. Snow, ice and frigid temperatures created challenges in December causing thousands of donations to go uncollected followed by busy holiday schedules and seasonal illness have significantly reduced donations—straining the Red Cross-national blood inventory.

January is National Blood Donor Month, and the Red Cross is calling on donors to start the year with a lifesaving act of generosity. To help inspire action, all who come to give blood or platelets Jan. 1-25, 2026, will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX, in partnership with the NFL. The winner and guest will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, CA, access to day-of in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

Your blood type is an MVP − Kick off 2026 with a blood or platelet donation. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Over the last two decades, blood donation rates have declined — which means even small disruptions can have a big impact on the Red Cross ability to meet patient needs. This makes partnerships like the one between the Red Cross and the NFL as important as ever.

Now in its seventh year, the Red Cross-NFL collaboration has helped motivate more than 150,000 first-time blood donors to take up this simple act of kindness. Growing it into a lifetime routine can save the lives of patients today, tomorrow and for years to come.

“The start of the new year is a challenging time to collect blood, but it’s also an opportunity to build lifesaving habits,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Donor Services, American Red Cross. “Through our partnership with the NFL, we’re turning ordinary acts of generosity into what we hope is a powerful tradition — ensuring patients have the blood they need, whenever they need it.”

“Be like Saquon”- Give Blood, Save Lives
The Red Cross and Pro Football Champion and blood donor Saquon Barkley are asking, “Will you give blood to help save lives?” One of the most common reasons people say they don’t give blood is simple, no one asked.

“I gave blood once in college and that was the only time I had ever been asked to give, until the Red Cross reached out. It was a no-brainer for me to give again. It only takes about an hour and once you realize in that short amount of time how much help it can bring – it’s a beautiful thing.”

The blood supply can drop quickly – now’s the time to get in the game and give blood or platelets.

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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SOURCE American Red Cross