Tag: PR Newswire

DENVER, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zero Homes today announced that it is now serving homeowners throughout the entire state of Colorado to help them navigate and access the newly launched Colorado Home Energy Rebate Program and install energy-efficient heat pump systems that lower energy costs and improve home comfort.

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO), in partnership with the Polis Administration, recently launched the state’s Home Energy Rebate Program — a consumer-facing initiative supported by federal funding that provides up to $14,000 in rebates per eligible household for energy-saving home improvements. These rebates are designed to make electrification and efficiency upgrades more affordable for Coloradans, including cold-climate and standard heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, air sealing, electrical panel upgrades, and more. 

“Coloradans want access to clean-energy technology to save money, and these rebates will help accomplish that,” said Governor Jared Polis upon the program’s launch. “These rebates can help more Coloradans make a variety of home upgrades that will bring down energy costs and provide more efficient home heating and cooling.” 

Zero Homes‘ statewide expansion ensures that homeowners — from major urban centers to rural mountain towns — can confidently understand their eligibility, navigate the rebate process, and complete professional installations with registered contractors.

Key Ways Zero Homes Supports Homeowners:

• Statewide Remote Delivery: Zero Homes now assists homeowners in every Colorado county by leveraging its remote quoting platform to design proper systems, schedule with local contractors, and provide quality assurance through the install process. Colorado Energy Office
  
• Rebate guidance and support: From verifying income eligibility under the program’s tiers (including 80% and 150% Area Median Income levels) to guiding homeowners through the application steps, Zero Homes simplifies access to savings. Colorado Energy Office
  
• Heat pump installations: Zero Homes facilitates heat pump system installations — including cold-climate and ductless options — that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve year-round home comfort. Colorado Energy Office
  
• Maximizing incentives: Zero Homes helps homeowners combine the Home Energy Rebate Program with other utility incentives, state tax credits, and federal benefits to maximize savings and reduce project costs.

The Home Energy Rebate Program includes two rebate tracks: the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) for high-efficiency electric appliances and upgrades now available to eligible single-family homes and small multifamily buildings, and the Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) for whole-home improvements that will be launched for manufactured/mobile homes and large multifamily buildings. Rebates are delivered through a network of registered contractors and are applied as discounts on qualified projects. Colorado Energy Office

“Colorado’s new Home Energy Rebate Program is one of the most significant opportunities for homeowners to improve their homes, cut energy cost and emissions, and adopt cleaner technologies,” said [Zero Homes spokesperson]. “Zero Homes is committed to making this process as straightforward as possible — from understanding eligibility to completing installation — for homeowners no matter where they live in the state.”

Heat pumps installed through the program can qualify for up to $8,000 for cold-climate heat pumps and up to $3,000 for standard heat pump systems toward the total rebate cap of $14,000 per household, with additional rebate opportunities for water heaters, air sealing, and electrical upgrades. Colorado Energy Office

About Zero Homes
Zero Homes is a Denver-based startup building the next generation of digital tools for home electrification. By combining remote home modeling with streamlined contractor coordination, Zero Homes accelerates the design and deployment of heat pump, electric water heater, and whole-home electrification upgrades — helping homeowners reduce emissions, lower utility costs, and embrace a clean energy future.

Media Contact:
Zero Homes
Email: hello@zerohomes.io
Phone: 303-848-8606
Website: www.zerohomes.io

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zero-homes-announces-statewide-expansion-to-help-colorado-homeowners-access-home-energy-rebates-and-install-high-efficiency-heat-pumps-302651953.html

SOURCE Zero Homes

DENVER, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zero Homes today announced that it is now serving homeowners throughout the entire state of Colorado to help them navigate and access the newly launched Colorado Home Energy Rebate Program and install energy-efficient heat pump systems that lower energy costs and improve home comfort.

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO), in partnership with the Polis Administration, recently launched the state’s Home Energy Rebate Program — a consumer-facing initiative supported by federal funding that provides up to $14,000 in rebates per eligible household for energy-saving home improvements. These rebates are designed to make electrification and efficiency upgrades more affordable for Coloradans, including cold-climate and standard heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, air sealing, electrical panel upgrades, and more. 

“Coloradans want access to clean-energy technology to save money, and these rebates will help accomplish that,” said Governor Jared Polis upon the program’s launch. “These rebates can help more Coloradans make a variety of home upgrades that will bring down energy costs and provide more efficient home heating and cooling.” 

Zero Homes‘ statewide expansion ensures that homeowners — from major urban centers to rural mountain towns — can confidently understand their eligibility, navigate the rebate process, and complete professional installations with registered contractors.

Key Ways Zero Homes Supports Homeowners:

• Statewide Remote Delivery: Zero Homes now assists homeowners in every Colorado county by leveraging its remote quoting platform to design proper systems, schedule with local contractors, and provide quality assurance through the install process. Colorado Energy Office
  
• Rebate guidance and support: From verifying income eligibility under the program’s tiers (including 80% and 150% Area Median Income levels) to guiding homeowners through the application steps, Zero Homes simplifies access to savings. Colorado Energy Office
  
• Heat pump installations: Zero Homes facilitates heat pump system installations — including cold-climate and ductless options — that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve year-round home comfort. Colorado Energy Office
  
• Maximizing incentives: Zero Homes helps homeowners combine the Home Energy Rebate Program with other utility incentives, state tax credits, and federal benefits to maximize savings and reduce project costs.

The Home Energy Rebate Program includes two rebate tracks: the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) for high-efficiency electric appliances and upgrades now available to eligible single-family homes and small multifamily buildings, and the Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) for whole-home improvements that will be launched for manufactured/mobile homes and large multifamily buildings. Rebates are delivered through a network of registered contractors and are applied as discounts on qualified projects. Colorado Energy Office

“Colorado’s new Home Energy Rebate Program is one of the most significant opportunities for homeowners to improve their homes, cut energy cost and emissions, and adopt cleaner technologies,” said [Zero Homes spokesperson]. “Zero Homes is committed to making this process as straightforward as possible — from understanding eligibility to completing installation — for homeowners no matter where they live in the state.”

Heat pumps installed through the program can qualify for up to $8,000 for cold-climate heat pumps and up to $3,000 for standard heat pump systems toward the total rebate cap of $14,000 per household, with additional rebate opportunities for water heaters, air sealing, and electrical upgrades. Colorado Energy Office

About Zero Homes
Zero Homes is a Denver-based startup building the next generation of digital tools for home electrification. By combining remote home modeling with streamlined contractor coordination, Zero Homes accelerates the design and deployment of heat pump, electric water heater, and whole-home electrification upgrades — helping homeowners reduce emissions, lower utility costs, and embrace a clean energy future.

Media Contact:
Zero Homes
Email: hello@zerohomes.io
Phone: 303-848-8606
Website: www.zerohomes.io

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zero-homes-announces-statewide-expansion-to-help-colorado-homeowners-access-home-energy-rebates-and-install-high-efficiency-heat-pumps-302651953.html

SOURCE Zero Homes

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its New Year’s Eve Uber Credit Giveaway, a community safety initiative that pledged $10,000 in Uber credits to New Orleans residents celebrating the holiday.

The program offered up to $20 per person in Uber credit for rides taken between December 31 at 5 p.m. and January 1 at 10 a.m. within fifty miles of the Caesars Superdome. Throughout the night, credits were quickly claimed as residents took advantage of a safe and reliable way to get home.

“Our goal was simple: help people get home safely on one of the busiest nights of the year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of the firm. “Seeing the community use this program the way it was intended shows just how important initiatives like this are.”

The giveaway has become an annual effort by the firm to reduce impaired driving and promote responsible celebrations. By removing the cost barrier for transportation, the program encouraged safer choices and helped keep local roads safer during peak New Year’s Eve hours.

“This initiative is about prevention,” Vicknair added, “If even one accident was avoided because someone chose a free ride instead of driving, then the impact is real and meaningful.”

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers extends its thanks to everyone who participated and helped spread the word. The firm remains committed to supporting community safety initiatives that make a measurable difference for Louisiana families.

About Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers
Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is a Louisiana-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal-winning strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs. They are committed to providing exceptional legal services, utilizing significant resources, and relentlessly advocating for their clients to achieve the best possible outcomes.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scott-vicknair-injury-lawyers-new-years-eve-uber-credit-program-helps-southeastern-louisiana-residents-get-home-safely-302651786.html

SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

NEW YORK, Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In recent days, media outlets have inquired with performing artists, including Shen Yun Performing Arts, as to whether they would withdraw from The Kennedy Center to protest its board renaming the venue to The Trump Kennedy Center.

Shen Yun’s mission is to share a message of beauty and hope that unites humanity around wholesome, universal values—values that transcend politics. We are looking forward to our January 7-18 run of shows in our nation’s capital, much as we are with upcoming performances in over 170 venues around the world during our 2026 global tour.

To understand why we continue to perform throughout the free world wherever audiences welcome us, it helps to understand who we are and why we exist.

Shen Yun was founded in New York by Falun Gong practitioners amid horrific persecution in China, where the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has waged a brutal campaign against our faith since 1999. Falun Gong is a Buddhist-based spiritual practice that includes meditation and living by the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance. Once celebrated in China, the practice was later targeted by CCP leaders due to its independence and enormous popularity—100 million people had taken up the practice by 1999. Beijing’s campaign against Falun Gong has included mass arrests, forced labor, torture, death by torture, and even organ harvesting, resulting in thousands of confirmed deaths and millions imprisoned or displaced. This brutality is the latest chapter in over seven decades of CCP rule, which has systematically destroyed China’s authentic cultural and spiritual heritage through campaigns like the Cultural Revolution. 

Our artists know this pain intimately. Friends and loved ones have been tortured and killed for their faith. In fact, almost 100 artists with Shen Yun have immediate family, or themselves, experienced horrific persecution in China. Take our dance instructor Steven Wang: His father died in late 2009 after being severely tortured in prison, all for practicing Falun Gong. While Steven was on stage performing in 2023, his mother was sentenced to four years in prison for the same peaceful beliefs. The CCP has targeted his family because of his work with Shen Yun.

Stories like Steven’s fuel our resolve—they remind us of the courage of millions in China who face CCP tyranny with peaceful defiance and deep faith. 

Shen Yun’s mission is to revive 5,000 years of divinely inspired Chinese culture on the global stage and share the true story of China, including the bravery of its people, past and present. We bring a message of hope and inspiration to millions worldwide, fostering unity in a divided era. We believe all people, including those across the United States, deserve this uplifting experience. 

We cannot perform in China; if we tried, our artists would be jailed or worse.

Outside China, Beijing has sought to sabotage our company, pressuring theaters and government leaders around the world to cancel our shows. Death and bomb threats, some of which have been traced back to China, target our headquarters in New York, venues where we perform, and supportive U.S. officials. Chinese agents have been arrested by the U.S. Department of Justice for bribery schemes aimed at triggering investigations or attempts to drum up bad press against us. Even our tour vehicles have been sabotaged, necessitating 24-hour security wherever we go.

Therefore, we cherish every opportunity to perform on stages in the U.S. and throughout the free world, including our nation’s capital. Each performance carries the weight of a civilization nearly lost and the profound honor of reviving it. 

We invite everyone—regardless of political persuasion—to set aside differences and join us. Shen Yun lifts the spirit, celebrates our shared humanity, and reminds us of the divine spark within each person. In these times of strife, it might just help bridge divides and bring us together. 

We hope to see you at one of the more than 170 venues around the world where we will be performing over the next four months. For tickets and more information, visit ShenYun.com. 

About Shen Yun Performing Arts 

Shen Yun Performing Arts is the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, founded in New York in 2006. With a mission to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture, Shen Yun presents all-new productions each year, featuring world-class dancers, a live orchestra blending East and West, stunning digital backdrops, and handcrafted costumes. Shen Yun tours to over 170 cities across five continents annually, inspiring audiences with stories of beauty, wisdom, and hope. 2026 marks Shen Yun’s 20^th anniversary.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shen-yun-our-mission-of-hope-and-cultural-revival-transcends-political-divides-302651754.html

SOURCE Shen Yun Performing Arts

VAUGHAN, ON  , Jan. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ – GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE: GFL) (TSX: GFL) (“GFL” or the “Company”) today announced that the Board of Directors of the Company has declared a cash dividend of US$0.0154 for each outstanding subordinate voting share and multiple voting share of the Company for the fourth quarter of 2025.

The cash dividend will be paid on January 30, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 13, 2026. The Company has designated this dividend as an eligible dividend within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

About GFL

GFL, headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, is the fourth largest diversified environmental services company in North America, providing a comprehensive line of solid waste management services through its platform of facilities throughout Canada and in 18 U.S. states. Across its organization, GFL has a workforce of more than 15,000 employees.

Forward Looking Statements 

This release includes certain “forward-looking statements”, which are not guarantees or assurances of future performance. Because forward-looking statements are related to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. GFL undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable securities laws. The declaration, timing, amount and payment of any future dividends remains at the discretion of GFL’s Board of Directors.  

For more information:
 Patrick Dovigi
 +1 905-326-0101
 pdovigi@gflenv.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gfl-environmental-inc-announces-quarterly-dividend-302651687.html

SOURCE GFL Environmental Inc.

Partnering with VTEC gives companies access to pre-trained military talent, lowers hiring costs, and streamlines workforce readiness.

ATLANTA, Jan. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Companies face increasing challenges finding skilled, dependable workers, while more than 200,000 service members transition out of the military each year. The Veterans Training Empowerment Center (VTEC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is addressing this workforce gap with the development of the VTEC National Military Training & Hiring Campus at Fort Gillem, a centralized hub that trains and connects transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses with employers across industries.

The Fort Gillem campus consolidates training, credentialing, and hiring into a single, coordinated system, eliminating the inefficiencies of fragmented veteran hiring pipelines. Over five years, it is projected to train and place more than 10,000 military-connected individuals and support over 700 on-campus and partner-affiliated jobs, providing companies with a reliable, scalable source of pre-trained, job-ready talent.

VTEC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (GuideStar), reflecting the organization’s commitment to full disclosure of programmatic, financial, and governance information.

Visit the Corporate & Government Partners Portal at https://www.100partnersportal.org to learn more about VTEC and the 100forHeroes campaign and how organizations can support program operations.

A Centralized Training & Hiring Hub for All Military Branches

The VTEC National Military Training & Hiring Campus at Fort Gillem operates as a centralized location where employers can engage transitioning active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses through a single, coordinated system.

This model consolidates training, credentialing, and hiring activities that are typically managed through multiple, disconnected programs. Participating employers work through one campus and one operational framework serving all U.S. military branches.

Through this approach, employers can:

• Access candidates who have completed standardized, industry-aligned training programs
• Engage participants before, during, and after military transition
• Conduct multi-hire recruitment through a single location
• Reduce administrative steps associated with decentralized recruiting

The Fort Gillem campus is structured to support consistent training delivery and workforce readiness standards, giving employers confidence in the skills and preparedness of every candidate.

VTEC-Managed Training Model

VTEC designs, coordinates, and delivers workforce training programs using a combination of grants, philanthropic support, and donated resources.

By managing training infrastructure, curriculum development, equipment, and readiness preparation, VTEC enables employers to:

• Limit internal training program development
• Shorten onboarding timelines for entry-level and mid-skill roles
• Hire candidates whose training aligns directly with workforce needs
• Expand hiring without creating separate training facilities

This structure allows employers to focus on operations while VTEC ensures participants are fully job-ready.

Military Spouses Workforce Inclusion

VTEC’s programs intentionally include military spouses alongside service members and veterans. Military spouses bring:

• Experience across multiple industries
• Familiarity with relocation and change management
• Availability for both on-site and remote roles

Including spouses supports employer workforce continuity and family stability, creating a more reliable talent pipeline for participating organizations.

Workforce Scale, Impact, and Job Creation

Over a five-year period, the Fort Gillem campus is structured to:

• Train and place more than 10,000 military-connected individuals
• Support over 700 on-campus and partner-affiliated jobs
• Serve employers operating locally, nationally, and internationally

Pilot programs at Fort Benning demonstrate measurable success:

• Participants complete credentialing within six months
• A majority secure employment within 90 days of graduation

These results underscore VTEC’s ability to deliver skilled, job-ready candidates at scale, reducing recruitment time and hiring costs for employers.

Mission

VTEC’s mission is to operate a centralized training and hiring hub that guarantees military-connected individuals and their families access to post-service employment while providing employers with a single, coordinated workforce pipeline.

Tax-Deductible Corporate Support & Corporate Responsibility Alignment

All donations made to support VTEC are 100% tax-deductible, with no minimum contribution required.

Corporate and institutional contributions are used to support:

• Workforce training and industry certification programs
• Equipment, tools, and instructional technology
• Campus facilities and operational infrastructure
• Program expansion and workforce placement services

Support aligns with ESG priorities, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and veteran workforce development commitments, giving organizations a strategic and mission-driven opportunity to make a measurable impact.

Leadership Perspective

“Companies need skilled, dependable workers, and thousands of servicemembers transition each year,” said David W. Gallemore, Service-Disabled Veteran, CEO of VTEC.
“VTEC centralizes training and hiring, delivering job-ready talent and connecting employers to an often-overlooked workforce: military spouses. Our mission is to guarantee careers for every soldier and their family through a one-stop hiring and training hub.”

Learn More / Get Involved

Visit the Corporate & Government Partners Portal at https://www.100partnersportal.org to learn more about VTEC, the 100forHeroes campaign, and how your organization can partner with and support program operations.

Media Contact: Donna Anderson, Media and Public Relations, danderson@vtecenter.org

About the Veterans Training Empowerment Center (VTEC)

The Veterans Training Empowerment Center (VTEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing no-cost workforce training and employment pathways for military-connected individuals and their families. VTEC is an approved U.S. Army Career Skills Program provider at Fort Benning, Georgia, and holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (GuideStar).

VTEC’s mission is to operate a centralized training and hiring hub connecting service members, families, and employers through a single workforce pipeline.

Learn more:
vtec.org | 100forheroes.org | 100partnersportal.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vtec-unveils-plans-for-fort-gillem-campus-to-deliver-job-ready-military-talent-to-employers-nationwide-302651577.html

SOURCE Veterans Training Empowerment Center

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thousands gather in Los Angeles for a Scientology New Year’s Celebration, honoring a year of remarkable achievement and ushering in an unstoppable 2026.

“Auld Lang Syne” has echoed through New Year’s festivities for over a century, symbolizing the bridge between where we’ve been and where we’re going. But on this night inside the Shrine Auditorium, that timeless sentiment took on a whole new dimension.

From the outset, the evening embodied the hallmarks of a Scientology New Year’s Celebration—elegance, anticipation and a sense of purpose. Dressed in formal evening wear, more than 6,500 guests filled the historic hall to honor the momentous feats of 2025, their gaze cast upon a boundless horizon unfolding before them.

“For most of the world, New Year’s is something they wait for. They count down seconds, watching the clock, as if time is the one telling them when life begins again,” said Mr. David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. “But we’ve never lived time that way. So while the rest of the planet may still be winding down its clocks—we’re here for something else entirely: to see what happens when a full year of Scientology accomplishments is unleashed all at once.”

And with that, Mr. Miscavige set the stage for a night showcasing a series of highlights from a year of endless expansion. Among those achievements, the numbers tuning in to Scientology Network continue to grow, drawing 11 times the viewership since network launch, while earning more than 170 awards for creative and technical excellence. And those viewers become doers, as over a million students have now enrolled in online courses—another record-breaking milestone.

The year was further defined by a panorama of Grand Openings illuminating the globe. Beginning with the ribbon-cutting for the newest Ideal Org half a world away in South Africa’s Eastern Cape—a landmark 10-story masterpiece now rising into the Nelson Mandela Bay skyline.

The wave of expansion rolled on as L. Ron Hubbard’s enduring legacy came vividly to life this past summer with the Grand Opening of three new L. Ron Hubbard (LRH) Landmark Sites—each meticulously restored to its original grandeur in honor of his milestone breakthroughs:

• In Elizabeth, New Jersey, dedicating the site of the first Dianetics Foundation, where Mr. Hubbard trained the first Dianetic Auditors 75 years ago.
• In Phoenix, Arizona, inaugurating the location where he unified the subjects of Dianetics and Scientology, forever shaping the course of the religion.
• And in Harare, Zimbabwe, unveiling the site where he filmed the legendary Clearing Course lectures and delivered his only filmed interview, An Introduction to Scientology.

From expansion to empowerment, the night next ascended to a succession of living triumphs—each one illustrating the impact of LRH Technology in action, transforming communities and inspiring lasting change.

Association for Better Living and Education (ABLE), addressing society’s most urgent challenges—drug abuse, illiteracy, immorality and crime—through its wide-reaching programs:

• In Sonora, Mexico, where widespread addiction has reached alarming levels, a government-sponsored Narconon for men proves so effective that civic leaders open a dedicated wing for women. Altogether, the facility has provided more than 100,000 rehabilitation hours, restoring a life every six days. In the wake of that success, regional officials partner with Narconon to establish a youth facility for teens in crisis, extending rehabilitation to the next generation. As a result, Narconon Navojoa is now the model for government-funded Narconons across Mexico.
• In Kenya, sprawling slums drive a relentless cycle of crime and imprisonment known as “the revolving door.” But a former inmate joins fellow ex-prisoners to break that pattern for his people. Upon discovering The Way to Happiness, they set out to bring the 21 precepts to schools and community groups, steering youth from gangs and slashing drug use in schools from 80 percent to just 5. Then returning to Kenya’s prisons, they cut recidivism by 51 percent—ending the cycle of crime and opening the door to a new beginning for Kenya’s youth and families.
• In Colombo, Sri Lanka, where students are only taught rote memorization, a teacher sets out to instill actual understanding. After discovering Applied Scholastics, she integrates Study Technology at her school and, before long, her students are advancing three grade levels in a single year. Building on those gains, she creates a program for widespread teacher instruction on the barriers to study, ultimately training over 2,000 educators and transforming education for more than 80,000 students. All culminated in a national partnership to bring Study Technology to all 10,000 schools of Sri Lanka.

World Institute of Scientology Enterprises (WISE), disseminating L. Ron Hubbard’s Administrative Technology (Admin Tech) for group survival and prosperity:

• In the United Kingdom, a WISE member of Scottish heritage takes on the relentless rain of the British Isles when he assumes control of a failing gutter cleaning business. Applying Admin Tech, he rebuilds the operation—establishing an Organizing Board, codifying company policies and launching an apprenticeship program. Accordingly, his enterprise has expanded more than 140 times and now fields a fully trained force of 250 specialists, safeguarding 2,500 homes a week—more than 125,000 in the last year alone. Serving every county across the kingdom, his company today is the number one gutter and roof care service in the UK.
• In Colombia, customs delays and disorganization trigger trade backlogs that are triple the international average. But a WISE member and logistics expert applies Admin Tech to design his enterprise as a high-efficiency import-export engine. By consolidating every phase of cargo and customs and coordinating production flows, he compresses a 35-day cycle into just three days, transporting everything from white marble to steel and from animals to automobiles. Delivering more than 70,000 tons of cargo annually by land, air and sea across 91 nations, his company has expanded 46 times in the past decade, becoming Colombia’s leading full-service logistics operator.
• In Hungary, where 9 out of 10 businesses fail due to a lack of organizational know-how, a WISE Consultant sets out to apply LRH solutions across the nation’s commercial sector. His company’s seminars equip leaders with the tools to implement proper procedures, driving Admin Tech into 6,000 companies and training over 25,000 professionals, ranging from a children’s furniture factory earning prestigious Superbrands status to a theatrical tailoring house named Entrepreneur of the Year. Today, out of 1.8 million businesses in Hungary, this WISE Consultant firm ranks in the top one percent for stability and proven excellence.

International Hubbard Ecclesiastical League of Pastors (I HELP) and Scientology Missions International (SMI) provide Dianetics and Scientology introductory services in communities planetwide:

• In Japan, where three-quarters of the population say they live under stress and anxiety, an educator exploring psychology simultaneously discovers Dianetics and changes course completely. Establishing a Dianetics Group in Ashiya—the Beverly Hills of Japan—she sets out with a singular purpose: to rekindle the spirit of the Japanese people. She drives Dianetics throughout the region—from delivering introductory lectures to giving radio interviews—altogether introducing thousands to Dianetics. Whereafter, a city Mayor praises her for “bringing hope and true solutions,” as she ignites the glow of a Book One wildfire spreading across her region of Japan.
• In Valencia, Spain, residents increasingly face rising crime and public insecurity. But the city’s Ideal Scientology Mission stands as a pillar of freedom in Valencia’s District of Light, delivering Scientology services from introductory levels to the State of Clear. From that foundation, the Mission extends its humanitarian impact with nearly 200 volunteers advancing Church-sponsored initiatives—United for Human Rights, The Way to Happiness and Drug-Free World—to residents and tourists alike. All as their Volunteer Minister disaster response proved decisive during Spain’s deadliest floods of the century, leading Valencia’s Civil Guard to hail the Mission for strengthening the city’s social foundation.
• Finally, an international showcase of ribbon-cutting ceremonies marked an unprecedented year of worldwide Mission growth. From the City Center of Plzeň, Czech Republic’s Gateway to Europe; to Budapest, Hungary, the Jewel of the Danube; and Shizuoka, Japan, beneath the sacred silhouette of Mount Fuji, new Ideal Missions arose to uplift communities. In California, three more cut ribbons: in Montrose, just north of Los Angeles, nestled beneath the San Gabriel Mountains; in San Jose, surrounded by the Santa Cruz Mountains; and in Riverpark, near the state capitol in Sacramento. While just last month, Lakeway, Texas, hosted the final Ideal Mission opening to cap an outstanding 12 months.

The evening’s celebration soared on with the superlative results from Ideal Organizations helmed by executive teams just graduated from Golden Age of Administration training—immediately demonstrating explosive advances. Mr. Miscavige led the audience on a global tour, beginning in the US with stops at Churches in New York; Washington, DC; and Twin Cities—then to Europe for Milan and Stuttgart, and in the Far East from Tokyo and Kaohsiung, culminating in the newest Ideal Org in Eastern Cape in South Africa. Perfectly primed with the most important training in Scientology history, this new breed of executive has fueled double-digit growth in Churches around the world—propelling individuals toward total spiritual freedom.

“There is one last story still waiting to rise,” Mr. Miscavige continued, before the Shrine erupted in a crescendo of celebration as he unveiled the forthcoming Ideal Org in Puerto Rico. Salsa music next lifted the night, as a cinematic preview of the dazzling new building in the heart of San Juan sparked a wave of Puerto Rican flags across the auditorium. The historic ribbon-cutting, heralding the first Ideal Org for the Caribbean, is set to take place in the coming weeks.

The celebration swelled once again, with anticipation filling the air as over 240 Scientologists were honored as Power Field Staff Members (FSMs) for having helped at least 100 individuals onto and up the Bridge to Total Freedom in 2025. Even more remarkable, an astonishing 12 Scientologists were awarded as Elite FSMs, having helped 1,000 or more individuals up the Bridge in just the past year.

The final dramatic revelation came as Mr. Miscavige announced the newest broadcast message for the curious—an anthem for the indomitable human spirit and the soul of humanity. Set to premiere during Super Bowl LX and the World Cup in 2026, the message will reach more people in more nations than ever before.

With that look toward tomorrow, the evening drew to its close. And just as “Auld Lang Syne” marks the promise of a new year, it is a time-honored Scientology tradition that Mr. Miscavige sets the course for limitless horizons that lie ahead.

“And so, as we stand at the threshold of a new year, you have just seen what happens when LRH Technology meets the real world,” Mr. Miscavige said. “But the truth is, everything you saw tonight now turns to you.”

“Because if every Scientologist here tonight moves forward with the certainty of LRH, if every Scientologist here tonight takes the next step and helps another take theirs, then there is no distance we cannot close, no barrier we cannot break and no future beyond our reach.”

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/an-extraordinary-eve-scientology-celebrates-a-year-of-monumental-advancementringing-in-an-expansive-2026-and-beyond-302651563.html

SOURCE Church of Scientology International

• $1.4 million-plus raised in 2025 includes $200,000 from Marathon Board
• Total raised since 2012 climbs above $15 million
• Marathon, Hospital & Nationwide extend Partnership through 2027
• Registration Launched, Mile Champions Revealed on New Year’s Day

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 14-year partnership between the Columbus Marathon, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Nationwide will continue for at least two more years thanks to an extension of the relationship launched in 2012 that has resulted in more than $15 million in support for the Hospital.

Of this total, millions of dollars have come through fundraising efforts by athletes taking part in the 26.2-mile and 13.1-mile races along with corporate donations. Additionally, the Columbus Marathon Board of Trustees has donated $1.7 million from race proceeds, including a $200,000 donation resulting from the October 2025 race. When the partnership was launched in 2012 the Board set a goal of donating at least $100,000 per year.

“No single entity or supporter makes this Partnership successful – it is a collective effort involving thousands of people and organizations,” said Eric Motter, Chairman of the Columbus Marathon Board of Trustees. “However, the foresight and support of Nationwide from the start and over the years has been key to the results that support Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of our community’s greatest assets.”

Since the partnership began in 2012 it has been extended several times, and the new agreement adds two more years to the relationship.

“Nationwide is proud to further our commitment to this impactful community collaboration,” said Chad Jester, Nationwide’s Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and President of the Nationwide Foundation. “The race continues to raise much needed funds for the hospital so they can continue their work of providing world class care to every child who needs it, regardless of the family’s ability to pay. We’re immensely thankful for all the support given over the years and look forward to seeing how this partnership can make a difference in the years to come.”

“Nationwide Children’s is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Nationwide and the Columbus Marathon. Supporting the health and well–being of children and families is central to who we are, and the generosity of the Columbus Marathon community continues to inspire us. Every dollar raised directly supports the patients and families who rely on Nationwide Children’s, and we are deeply grateful for the athletes, sponsors, volunteers, and partners who make this possible year after year,” said Steve Testa, President, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Additionally, today the Columbus Marathon kicked off registration for the October 2026 event and also introduced a number of its “Marathon Mile Champions” – patients from Nationwide Children’s Hospital who are honored along the 26.2-mile race route.*

“We call it ‘America’s Most Meaningful Race,’ and when our athletes see those kids out on the course Race Day they understand and support the significance behind the name,” said Darris Blackford, Race Director. “Given that we have sold out our Marathon & ½ Marathon fields for the past three years and registration today is already strong, we foresee great things for 2026.”

*2026 Marathon Mile Champions (first round; the stories can be read here):

Braylee, 14, Malignant Mixed Germ Cell Ovarian Tumor, Pataskala, OH
Don, 7, Spastic Quad Cerebral Palsy and Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Type 4, Zanesville, OH
Finn, 9, Gene Deletion, Adrenal Insufficiency and Hypothyroidism, Springfield, OH
Kaden, 9, SC Sickle Cell, Cystic Fibrosis, and Pancreatic Insufficiency, Columbus, OH
Kenadee, 10, Wilm’s Tumor, Vincent, OH
Luca, 8, Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Canal Winchester, OH
Maddie, 9, Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, VACTERL, and Hearing Loss, Munroe Falls, OH
Marinn, 19, Complete ACL Ruptures x3, Marion, OH
Natalie, 8, Cerebral Palsy, Stage 4 Kidney Disease, and Hearing Loss, Columbus, OH
Noah, 13, Congenital Heart Disease, Columbus, OH
Nora, 10, Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, Colpocephaly, and Microcephaly, Hilliard, OH
Parker, 11, Craniopharyngioma, Pataskala, OH
Parker, 15, Chronic Pancreatitis, Mayfield, OH
Quentin, 9, Burkitt Leukemia, Blacklick, OH
Savannah Jo, 12, Prematurity, Bluffton, OH
Winnie, 11, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type II, Morgantown, WV
Zoe, 7, Pediatric Feeding Disorder, Kettering, OH

About Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon:
The 46^th Columbus Marathon will be held Sunday, October 18; this year marks the 20^th edition of the ½ Marathon. For more information, visit www.columbusmarathon.com.

About Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Named to the Top 10 Honor Roll on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-26 list of “Best Children’s Hospitals,” Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of America’s largest not-for-profit free-standing pediatric health care systems providing unique expertise in pediatric population health, behavioral health, genomics and health equity as the next frontiers in pediatric medicine, leading to best outcomes for the health of the whole child. Integrated clinical and research programs, as well as prioritizing quality and safety, are part of what allows Nationwide Children’s to advance its unique model of care. Nationwide Children’s has a staff of more than 17,000 that provides state-of-the-art wellness, preventive and rehabilitative care and diagnostic treatment during more than 1.9 million patient visits annually. As home to the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Nationwide Children’s physicians train the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of the Top 10 National Institutes of Health-funded free-standing pediatric research facilities. More information is available at NationwideChildrens.org.

For more information contact:
Sarah Irvin, Irvin PR, 614.296.4057

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SOURCE Columbus Marathon

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MemorialCare‘s Long Beach Medical Center, Orange Coast Medical Center, and Saddleback Medical Center have received multiple honors in the 2026 Women’s Choice Awards, including the newest recognition for excellence in Knee and Hip Replacement. This year, all MemorialCare hospitals were honored in 10 different categories representing diverse clinical strengths. These awards are especially significant because they acknowledge hospitals that meet rigorous standards for clinical performance, safety, and patient satisfaction, helping guide women to trusted health care providers.

“This acknowledgement demonstrates that women trust us with their health, and that of their families,” says, Eugene Kim, M.D., chief medical officer, MemorialCare. “We honor that trust by providing the highest standard of care through ongoing innovation and high-quality care, while supporting patient empowerment and advocacy.”

Orange Coast Medical Center earned accolades as a Best Hospital for Patient Safety, Heart Care, Cancer Care, Bariatric Surgery, Obstetrics, Women’s Services, Orthopedics, and Knee and Hip Replacement. Saddleback Medical Center received distinctions as a Best Hospital for Patient Safety, Heart Care, Stroke Care, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Obstetrics, Orthopedics, and Knee and Hip Replacement. Long Beach Medical Center was recognized as a Best Hospital for Heart Care, Stroke Care, and Cancer Care.

The newly released Knee and Hip Replacement Award honors hospitals that demonstrate rigorous standards for surgical outcomes, safety, and patient satisfaction. As more women pursue joint replacement procedures to enhance mobility and quality of life, this award guides patients to hospitals with proven expertise and compassionate care.

The distinction highlights leadership through the MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, which provides minimally invasive surgery, advanced rehabilitation technology, and personalized treatment plans. The MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute sets MemorialCare apart with board-certified surgeons, pre-surgical education, and the latest innovations like Mako technology for knee and hip replacement surgery, and the da Vinci V Surgical System—delivering enhanced precision, improved outcomes, and a less invasive surgical experience.

The Women’s Choice Awards evaluate hospitals nationwide using evidence-based criteria, including patient satisfaction scores, clinical performance, and hospital accreditations. Hospitals meeting the highest standards are designated as trusted options for women seeking exceptional care. MemorialCare continues its dedication to advancing women’s health through compassionate care, specialized programs, and ongoing innovation. The 2026 Women’s Choice Awards affirm MemorialCare’s role as a leader in empowering women to make informed decisions for lifelong health and well-being.

About MemorialCare 
MemorialCare is a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system with over 200 care locations, including leading hospitals like Saddleback Medical Center, Orange Coast Medical Center, Long Beach Medical Center, and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. It comprises MemorialCare Medical Group, MemorialCare Independent Physicians, MemorialCare Select Health Plan, outpatient and urgent care centers across South Bay and South Orange County, including subscription-free virtual care services. Since 2020, MemorialCare’s “Get Care Now” offers HIPAA-compliant, 24/7 virtual care for urgent and primary needs statewide. MemorialCare’s clinical networks include the MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, MemorialCare Cancer Institute, and MemorialCare Research Program. National accolades include Healthgrades America’s Top 250 Hospitals and U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital in OBGYN, with regional recognition in the Los Angeles Metro Area and “high performing” in 46 clinical categories. Visit memorialcare.org.

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SOURCE MemorialCare

Contribution is Third this Year as Need Rises

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Just in time for the holidays, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is contributing $1 million to local food banks to help feed the growing number of individuals and families struggling to put food on the table.

The PG&E funding will provide the equivalent of approximately 3 million meals for individuals and families. It will support 38 food banks representing 47 counties in PG&E’s Northern and Central California service area.

It is the third contribution to food banks since September from PG&E or The PG&E Corporation Foundation (the PG&E Foundation), bringing the total for community food support this year to $2.37 million. Funding for these charitable contributions comes from PG&E shareholders, not PG&E customers.

Officials with the California Association of Food Banks said that food banks are facing record-breaking demand, the highest since the pandemic.

“California food banks experienced an unexpected surge with the [federal government] shutdown this fall. So, we reached out for help on their behalf and PG&E responded,” said Stacia Levenfeld, Chief Executive Officer of California Association of Food Banks. “Their $1 million gift to food banks throughout Northern and Central California will have a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people this holiday season and help food banks continue their critical work in our communities.”

“We are grateful to help local food banks fulfill their mission during this time of increasing demand, especially as more families and seniors are struggling through the holiday season. Our longstanding partnership with the California Association of Food Banks supports the safety net that is our local food banks,” said Carla Peterman, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, PG&E Corporation and Chair of The PG&E Corporation Foundation Board.

2025 Support for Food Banks

In September, the PG&E Foundation awarded $1.12 million to support local food banks, tribal food banks and senior meal programs. In November, the PG&E Foundation donated $250,000 to the California Association of Food Banks’ Emergency Response Fund.

According to the California Association of Food Banks, while California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, more than one in five residents do not know where their next meal will come from. Communities of color face even higher levels of food insecurity.

Grant amounts that will be awarded to local organizations account for county poverty and unemployment levels, using the California Department of Social Services’ formula, to promote equity among counties with higher need.

About The PG&E Corporation Foundation
The PG&E Corporation Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, separate from PG&E and sponsored by PG&E Corporation.

About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company