Tag: PR Newswire

JIANGYIN, China, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 Jiangyin Symposium on Economic and Trade Cooperation was held on December 6, hosted by the Jiangyin Municipal Committee and Government. Marking the culmination of this year’s Golden Autumn Investment Month, which featured more than 50 promotional events, the symposium resulted in the signing of 208 projects with a combined investment value of RMB68 billion. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Jiangyin has secured 321 major industrial projects, each valued at more than RMB100 million, representing a total investment of RMB262.7 billion. These projects span key sectors including integrated circuits, next-generation information technology, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.

Jung Ui-joon, Chief Representative of Wonik IPS, attended with a US$150 million investment project scheduled to begin production in 2026. “Jiangyin offers compelling advantages with its strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and favorable policies, making it a dependable choice for investment,” he noted. 

Giordana Davide, President of Jiangsu TianGong Precision Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., highlighted Jiangyin’s supply chain strengths. “Our key raw material supplier, Citic Pacific Special Steel Group Co., Ltd., a leading producer in the specialty steel industry, is based in Jiangyin. This proximity ensures exceptional stability and consistency for our manufacturing operations,” Davide said. 

During the symposium, Jiangyin joined with Tsinghua University and other domestic academic and research institutions to form the “Sci-tech Innovations in Jiangyin” University Alliance for Technology Transfer and Commercialization. The alliance aims to develop new models for translating research and technological breakthroughs into commercial applications.. 

With its specialized industrial parks serving as strategic platforms, Jiangyin is cultivating modern industrial clusters in clean energy, biopharmaceuticals, and AI-driven manufacturing. The Jiangyin Carbon Neutrality Technology Industrial Park has begun forming an integrated energy ecosystem spanning wind power, solar, hydrogen, and energy storage, supported by port logistics and a comprehensive bonded zone. Meanwhile, the Jiangyin Microelectronics Industrial Park has launched multiple industry funds focused on emerging industries, with total assets under management exceeding RMB6.5 billion. These funds are designed to provide end-to-end capital support for companies across their full development trajectory, from startup through initial public offering. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jiangyin-concludes-golden-autumn-investment-month-with-208-projects-totaling-rmb68-billion-302636365.html

SOURCE Jiangyin Municipal Committee and Government

A dissolving patch delivers beneficial microbes into leaves and stems, speeding growth in vegetables while using over 15 per cent less biofertiliser than soil application

SINGAPORE, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed dissolving microneedle patches that deliver living “biofertiliser” straight into plant tissue. In greenhouse tests, Choy Sum and Kale grew faster — by shoot biomass, leaf area and height — while using over 15 per cent less biofertiliser than standard soil inoculation.

The approach points to more precise fertiliser delivery, less waste and potentially lower off-target environmental impact, with near-term fit for urban and vertical farms and for high-value crops that benefit from controlled dosing.

Biofertiliser, which contain beneficial bacteria and fungi that help crops absorb nutrients and tolerate stress, are usually added to soil. There, they must compete with native microbes and can be hindered by acidity and various other conditions. Much of the input never reaches the roots. By placing beneficial bacteria or fungi directly into leaves or stems, the new method developed by the NUS team bypasses those hurdles and accelerates early gains.

“Inspired by how microbes can migrate within the human body, we hypothesised that by delivering beneficial microbes directly into the plant’s tissues, like a leaf or stem, they could travel to the roots and still perform their function, but much more effectively and be less vulnerable to soil conditions,” said Assistant Professor Andy Tay from Department of Biomedical Engineering at the College of Design and Engineering at NUS, and Principal Investigator at the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech), who led the work.

The study was published in Advanced Functional Materials on 13 September 2025.

Gentle delivery

The team fabricated plant-tuned microneedles from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a biodegradable, low-cost polymer. For leaves, a 1 cm by 1 cm patch carries a 40 by 40 array of pyramids about 140 μm long, while a short row of roughly 430-μm needles suits thicker stems. Microbes are blended into the PVA solution, cast into tiny moulds and locked in the needle tips. Pressed by the thumb or with a simple handheld applicator that spreads force evenly, the needles slip into plant tissue and dissolve within about a minute, releasing their microbial cargo.

In laboratory tests, the patch barely disturbed plant tissue or function. Shallow indentations in leaves faded within two hours; chlorophyll readings remained stable; and stress-response gene expression, which briefly rose after insertion, returned to baseline within 24 hours. The patches maintained high microbial viability after storage for up to four weeks – this means the patches can be prepared in advance – and importantly, loading concentration translated to delivered dose, which enables controlled application that is difficult to achieve in soil. A 3D-printed applicator provided uniform insertion across large leaf areas and could become an integral component in future robotic automation.

Proving the approach

The NUS team demonstrated that delivering a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) cocktail of Streptomyces and Agromyces-Bacillus through leaves or stems improved growth in Choy Sum and Kale compared to untreated controls and gave better results than soil treatments with microbes. PGPR is commonly used to improve nutrient uptake and stimulate growth hormones in plants.

Additionally, the plants grew more as the researchers loaded more microbes into each patch, up to an effective ceiling. Beyond that, extra microbes did not help the plants grow further. This lets growers determine the lowest effective dose, which in turn cuts costs and waste.

“Our microneedle system successfully delivered biofertiliser into Choy Sum and Kale, enhancing their growth more effectively than traditional methods while using over 15 per cent less biofertiliser,” Asst Prof Tay said. “By faster growth we refer to higher total plant weight, larger leaf area and higher plant height.”

The team tracked the bacteria as they moved from the injected leaves to the roots within days. At the roots, the bacteria nudged the root microbiome towards a more beneficial mix without throwing it out of balance. Plant chemical readouts showed that the main energy-production cycle (involves cells turning sugars into usable energy) was working harder, nitrogen was used more efficiently and compounds needed for growth were synthesised at a higher rate. The team also observed stronger antioxidant capacity, a sign the plants were better prepared for stress and growth.

The team extended the approach to beneficial fungi. Patches loaded with a Tinctoporellus strain (AR8) promoted Choy Sum growth and adjusted phytohormones levels – the signalling molecules that guide how plants grow, develop, and respond to their surroundings – helping to keep plant growth hormones in balance. “This work is the first to demonstrate that root-associated biofertiliser can be directly delivered into a plant’s leaves or stems to enhance growth,” Asst Prof Tay added. “With this finding, we introduced a new concept of ‘microneedle biofertiliser’ that overcomes significant challenges of soil inoculation.”

The researchers see early applications in urban and vertical farms where precise dosing matters, as well as in slow-growing, high-value crops such as medicinal herbs. Looking ahead, Asst Prof Tay added, “A major focus is scalability. We plan to explore integrating our microneedle technology with agricultural robotics and automated systems to make it feasible for large-scale farms. We will also test this across a wider variety of crops, such as strawberry, and investigate how these microbes migrate effectively from the leaf to the root.”

Read more at: https://news.nus.edu.sg/microneedle-system-deliver-biofertiliser-into-plants-boosting-growth.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nus-scientists-create-microneedle-system-to-deliver-biofertiliser-directly-into-plants-boosting-growth-with-less-waste-302636307.html

SOURCE National University of Singapore

SHANGHAI, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The global packaging industry’s flagship event, WEPACK World Expo of Packaging Industry 2026, will take place in April 15-17, 2026 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao’an). As the premier platform for the paper packaging industry chain, WEPACK 2026 will cover an exhibition area of 120,000 square meters, bring together 1,500+ quality exhibitors, welcome over 100,000 professional visitors, and host more than 30 high-level forums, fully highlighting the strategic value of paper packaging across the industry chain.

Eight Concurrent Shows, InnoLabel Debuts

WEPACK 2026 will once again feature eight concurrent exhibitions, providing a comprehensive view of the global packaging ecosystem. The shows will cover core segments including paper, corrugated, folding cartons, digital printing, food packaging, and labeling. Notably, the newly launched InnoLabel Expo will make its debut, bringing fresh momentum to cross-industry integration between the labeling sector and paper packaging. Innovative label technologies combined with paper packaging—particularly in functionality, security, and sustainability—are expected to become new growth drivers for the industry.

WEPACK × Green Industry (Carbon Neutrality) Service Special Demonstration Zone

Driven by the global “dual carbon” goals and the rising ESG momentum, the packaging industry is undergoing a transformative shift from traditional manufacturing to green, low-carbon, and intelligent production. As the world’s leading integrated packaging industry platform with strong resource integration capabilities, WEPACK proudly launches the “Green Industry (Carbon Neutrality) Service Special Demonstration Zone,” bringing together policymakers, financial institutions, technology innovators, and brand owners to build a systematic platform for showcasing and implementing sustainable packaging solutions.

Co-initiated by RX and the Green Industry Development Center of the Shanghai Services Federation, the Special Zone focuses on “display + matchmaking + services + conversion” to establish a globally exemplary benchmark for green manufacturing and industrial collaboration. It aims to empower Chinese packaging enterprises to gain an ESG competitive advantage and achieve leap-forward progress in sustainable development.

Knowledge Exchange: 30+ High-Level Forums

Alongside the exhibition, WEPACK 2026 will host 30+ conferences and forums addressing topics such as global pulp and paper market trends, sustainable development, digitalization and smart manufacturing, and the future of labels. Industry leaders—including brand owners, packaging manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and policy experts—will gather to share insights and best practices, offering forward-looking perspectives for decision-makers across the value chain.

As the global barometer of the paper packaging industry, WEPACK 2026 will bring together world-class resources and innovations, creating a premier platform for trade, dialogue, and collaboration. In April 15-17, 2026, the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center will become the meeting point for the global packaging community—an unmissable occasion to witness the new future of the paper packaging value chain.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wepack-2026-set-for-shenzhen-with-eight-concurrent-shows-and-120-000-sqm-exhibition-space-302635130.html

SOURCE RX China

SHANGHAI, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The global packaging industry’s flagship event, WEPACK World Expo of Packaging Industry 2026, will take place in April 15-17, 2026 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao’an). As the premier platform for the paper packaging industry chain, WEPACK 2026 will cover an exhibition area of 120,000 square meters, bring together 1,500+ quality exhibitors, welcome over 100,000 professional visitors, and host more than 30 high-level forums, fully highlighting the strategic value of paper packaging across the industry chain.

Eight Concurrent Shows, InnoLabel Debuts

WEPACK 2026 will once again feature eight concurrent exhibitions, providing a comprehensive view of the global packaging ecosystem. The shows will cover core segments including paper, corrugated, folding cartons, digital printing, food packaging, and labeling. Notably, the newly launched InnoLabel Expo will make its debut, bringing fresh momentum to cross-industry integration between the labeling sector and paper packaging. Innovative label technologies combined with paper packaging—particularly in functionality, security, and sustainability—are expected to become new growth drivers for the industry.

WEPACK × Green Industry (Carbon Neutrality) Service Special Demonstration Zone

Driven by the global “dual carbon” goals and the rising ESG momentum, the packaging industry is undergoing a transformative shift from traditional manufacturing to green, low-carbon, and intelligent production. As the world’s leading integrated packaging industry platform with strong resource integration capabilities, WEPACK proudly launches the “Green Industry (Carbon Neutrality) Service Special Demonstration Zone,” bringing together policymakers, financial institutions, technology innovators, and brand owners to build a systematic platform for showcasing and implementing sustainable packaging solutions.

Co-initiated by RX and the Green Industry Development Center of the Shanghai Services Federation, the Special Zone focuses on “display + matchmaking + services + conversion” to establish a globally exemplary benchmark for green manufacturing and industrial collaboration. It aims to empower Chinese packaging enterprises to gain an ESG competitive advantage and achieve leap-forward progress in sustainable development.

Knowledge Exchange: 30+ High-Level Forums

Alongside the exhibition, WEPACK 2026 will host 30+ conferences and forums addressing topics such as global pulp and paper market trends, sustainable development, digitalization and smart manufacturing, and the future of labels. Industry leaders—including brand owners, packaging manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and policy experts—will gather to share insights and best practices, offering forward-looking perspectives for decision-makers across the value chain.

As the global barometer of the paper packaging industry, WEPACK 2026 will bring together world-class resources and innovations, creating a premier platform for trade, dialogue, and collaboration. In April 15-17, 2026, the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center will become the meeting point for the global packaging community—an unmissable occasion to witness the new future of the paper packaging value chain.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wepack-2026-set-for-shenzhen-with-eight-concurrent-shows-and-120-000-sqm-exhibition-space-302635130.html

SOURCE RX China

SHANGHAI, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The global packaging industry’s flagship event, WEPACK World Expo of Packaging Industry 2026, will take place in April 15-17, 2026 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao’an). As the premier platform for the paper packaging industry chain, WEPACK 2026 will cover an exhibition area of 120,000 square meters, bring together 1,500+ quality exhibitors, welcome over 100,000 professional visitors, and host more than 30 high-level forums, fully highlighting the strategic value of paper packaging across the industry chain.

Eight Concurrent Shows, InnoLabel Debuts

WEPACK 2026 will once again feature eight concurrent exhibitions, providing a comprehensive view of the global packaging ecosystem. The shows will cover core segments including paper, corrugated, folding cartons, digital printing, food packaging, and labeling. Notably, the newly launched InnoLabel Expo will make its debut, bringing fresh momentum to cross-industry integration between the labeling sector and paper packaging. Innovative label technologies combined with paper packaging—particularly in functionality, security, and sustainability—are expected to become new growth drivers for the industry.

WEPACK × Green Industry (Carbon Neutrality) Service Special Demonstration Zone

Driven by the global “dual carbon” goals and the rising ESG momentum, the packaging industry is undergoing a transformative shift from traditional manufacturing to green, low-carbon, and intelligent production. As the world’s leading integrated packaging industry platform with strong resource integration capabilities, WEPACK proudly launches the “Green Industry (Carbon Neutrality) Service Special Demonstration Zone,” bringing together policymakers, financial institutions, technology innovators, and brand owners to build a systematic platform for showcasing and implementing sustainable packaging solutions.

Co-initiated by RX and the Green Industry Development Center of the Shanghai Services Federation, the Special Zone focuses on “display + matchmaking + services + conversion” to establish a globally exemplary benchmark for green manufacturing and industrial collaboration. It aims to empower Chinese packaging enterprises to gain an ESG competitive advantage and achieve leap-forward progress in sustainable development.

Knowledge Exchange: 30+ High-Level Forums

Alongside the exhibition, WEPACK 2026 will host 30+ conferences and forums addressing topics such as global pulp and paper market trends, sustainable development, digitalization and smart manufacturing, and the future of labels. Industry leaders—including brand owners, packaging manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and policy experts—will gather to share insights and best practices, offering forward-looking perspectives for decision-makers across the value chain.

As the global barometer of the paper packaging industry, WEPACK 2026 will bring together world-class resources and innovations, creating a premier platform for trade, dialogue, and collaboration. In April 15-17, 2026, the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center will become the meeting point for the global packaging community—an unmissable occasion to witness the new future of the paper packaging value chain.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wepack-2026-set-for-shenzhen-with-eight-concurrent-shows-and-120-000-sqm-exhibition-space-302635130.html

SOURCE RX China

YANTAI, China, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On December 7, Linglong Tire convened its 50th Anniversary Global Partners Conference in Zhaoyuan, Shandong, under the theme “Linglong 50, Always Forward”. The gathering brought together industry leaders, academic experts, and global partners to reflect on the company’s half-century of growth and outline a forward-looking strategy aimed at sustainable innovation and collaborative value creation.

In his keynote speech, Chairman Wang Feng chronicled Linglong’s evolution since its founding in 1975. From its origins as a single factory in the Jiaodong Peninsula, the company has navigated multiple strategic transformations to become a global enterprise with products distributed across 173 countries. Wang expressed gratitude to academic advisors, university partners, financial institutions, suppliers, and clients, emphasizing that Linglong’s milestones were made possible by a foundation of mutual trust and collaboration.

Looking ahead, Wang Feng articulated Linglong’s ambition to transition from a “large enterprise” to a “great enterprise,” anchored in a customer-first philosophy. The company will focus on building an open, inclusive, and synergistic global industrial ecosystem, fostering deeper cooperation across the value chain through technological innovation. 

The conference featured high-level dialogues on green and intelligent transformation within the tire industry. Distinguished guests, including Serbian Ambassador to China Maja Stefanović and academician Zhang Liqun, praised Linglong’s role in promoting international cooperation and technological progress. During an awards ceremony, Linglong honored long-term partners such as Bekaert and VMI for their unwavering support.

A series of technological achievements were unveiled, highlighting Linglong’s commitment to sustainable development:

• Tires made with 79% bio-based materials, boosting resource efficiency;
• Self-healing smart tires that enhance proactive safety;
• Air-free tire technology for future mobility ecosystems;
• An intelligent self-repairing system that elevates tire safety to new heights.

These innovations reflect Linglong’s capacity to turn sustainability commitments into tangible products.

The company also signed multiple strategic agreements with leading institutions. These collaborations—spanning new materials, green energy, and digitalization—signal a shift from traditional supply-chain relations to an integrated value-creation ecosystem.

As Linglong embarks on its next chapter, the company reaffirmed its dedication to quality, innovation, and social responsibility. By strengthening global partnerships and embracing an open industrial ecosystem, Linglong aims to overcome future challenges and lead the tire industry toward a more sustainable and brilliant century. Through this conference, Linglong Tire demonstrated not only its historic achievements and innovative strength but also a clear roadmap for long-term, collaborative growth.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/linglong-tire-holds-50th-anniversary-global-partners-conference-unveiling-green-tech-innovations-and-future-strategy-302636226.html

SOURCE Shandong Linglong Tyre Co., Ltd.

As public school enrollment declines, GreatSchools introduces a new tool to help districts meet families’ demand for accessible, comprehensive school information

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new nationwide survey from GreatSchools.org reveals that parents want clearer, more complete information about their schools — along with communication that is easy to access and understand. The survey of more than 1,000 K–12 parents showed a strong correlation between parents’ overall satisfaction with their school (and willingness to recommend it to others) and their experience finding important information.

Top findings include:

• Parent satisfaction with school communication is one of the strongest predictors of overall school satisfaction: 90% of parents who would recommend their school report being satisfied or very satisfied with communication.
• 74% of parents who are highly likely to recommend their school say it is easy to find relevant information, compared to just 20% of those less likely to recommend it.
• Communication quality shapes parents’ perceptions of their child’s access to opportunities. Only 26% of parents likely to recommend their school said they missed an important opportunity or deadline due to unclear communication, compared to 70% of parents unlikely to recommend their school.
• When evaluating schools, parents look beyond test scores, seeking a more complete view of academic programs, extracurriculars, social supports, and clear explanations of public data. Parents in lower-income households expressed especially high interest in information about supports such as free meals and after-school care.

These findings come at a time when families have more school options than ever and rely on information from multiple sources to make decisions. While the majority of parents (70%) still turn to official school or district websites and third-party sites like GreatSchools.org, many report inconsistent experiences finding what they need — a factor that closely mirrors their willingness to recommend their child’s school.

“Clear, consistent communication is the foundation of trust with our families,” said Dana Altemeyer, EdD, Director of Communications for the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (IN). “Parents want to understand not only how their child is doing, but what their school offers and how we’re supporting every student. When districts can meet parents where they’re searching with the information we know they want and need, it ensures families can feel confident in the choices they make for their children.”

“When evaluating schools, families often rely on the experiences of other parents, making satisfied families some of a school’s strongest advocates,” said Jon Deane, CEO of GreatSchools. “This survey shows that clear communication plays a major role in that satisfaction. Parents want a fuller understanding of what schools offer, and districts want to provide it. Our goal is to help connect those dots by enabling schools and districts to share that information on GreatSchools.org — a place where families are already looking for it.”

To help districts share the information families are searching for, GreatSchools is launching Claim Your District, a new feature that allows district leaders to verify and manage their district’s GreatSchools profile. Once claimed, districts can highlight programs and student supports, add context to published data, and provide a more complete picture of what their schools offer. The tool builds on GreatSchools’ school-level claiming feature — already used by nearly one-third of schools nationwide — and creates an additional space where families can easily access the comprehensive information they value most.

To read the full survey report, click here.

About GreatSchools:
GreatSchools is the leading nonprofit providing high-quality information that supports parents pursuing a great education for their child, schools striving for excellence, and communities working to diminish inequities in education. We are the only national organization that collects and analyzes data from all 51 state departments of education and the federal government to provide analysis, insights, and school quality ratings for parents, partners, researchers, and policymakers. Nearly half of all K–12 families visit GreatSchools’ award-winning website annually to learn about schools in their area, explore research insights, and access thousands of free, evidence-based parenting resources to support their child’s learning and well-being. Learn more at GreatSchools.org and join us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-national-survey-finds-parents-want-clearer-school-information–and-are-more-satisfied-when-they-can-find-it-302636049.html

SOURCE GreatSchools.org

As public school enrollment declines, GreatSchools introduces a new tool to help districts meet families’ demand for accessible, comprehensive school information

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A new nationwide survey from GreatSchools.org reveals that parents want clearer, more complete information about their schools — along with communication that is easy to access and understand. The survey of more than 1,000 K–12 parents showed a strong correlation between parents’ overall satisfaction with their school (and willingness to recommend it to others) and their experience finding important information.

Top findings include:

• Parent satisfaction with school communication is one of the strongest predictors of overall school satisfaction: 90% of parents who would recommend their school report being satisfied or very satisfied with communication.
• 74% of parents who are highly likely to recommend their school say it is easy to find relevant information, compared to just 20% of those less likely to recommend it.
• Communication quality shapes parents’ perceptions of their child’s access to opportunities. Only 26% of parents likely to recommend their school said they missed an important opportunity or deadline due to unclear communication, compared to 70% of parents unlikely to recommend their school.
• When evaluating schools, parents look beyond test scores, seeking a more complete view of academic programs, extracurriculars, social supports, and clear explanations of public data. Parents in lower-income households expressed especially high interest in information about supports such as free meals and after-school care.

These findings come at a time when families have more school options than ever and rely on information from multiple sources to make decisions. While the majority of parents (70%) still turn to official school or district websites and third-party sites like GreatSchools.org, many report inconsistent experiences finding what they need — a factor that closely mirrors their willingness to recommend their child’s school.

“Clear, consistent communication is the foundation of trust with our families,” said Dana Altemeyer, EdD, Director of Communications for the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (IN). “Parents want to understand not only how their child is doing, but what their school offers and how we’re supporting every student. When districts can meet parents where they’re searching with the information we know they want and need, it ensures families can feel confident in the choices they make for their children.”

“When evaluating schools, families often rely on the experiences of other parents, making satisfied families some of a school’s strongest advocates,” said Jon Deane, CEO of GreatSchools. “This survey shows that clear communication plays a major role in that satisfaction. Parents want a fuller understanding of what schools offer, and districts want to provide it. Our goal is to help connect those dots by enabling schools and districts to share that information on GreatSchools.org — a place where families are already looking for it.”

To help districts share the information families are searching for, GreatSchools is launching Claim Your District, a new feature that allows district leaders to verify and manage their district’s GreatSchools profile. Once claimed, districts can highlight programs and student supports, add context to published data, and provide a more complete picture of what their schools offer. The tool builds on GreatSchools’ school-level claiming feature — already used by nearly one-third of schools nationwide — and creates an additional space where families can easily access the comprehensive information they value most.

To read the full survey report, click here.

About GreatSchools:
GreatSchools is the leading nonprofit providing high-quality information that supports parents pursuing a great education for their child, schools striving for excellence, and communities working to diminish inequities in education. We are the only national organization that collects and analyzes data from all 51 state departments of education and the federal government to provide analysis, insights, and school quality ratings for parents, partners, researchers, and policymakers. Nearly half of all K–12 families visit GreatSchools’ award-winning website annually to learn about schools in their area, explore research insights, and access thousands of free, evidence-based parenting resources to support their child’s learning and well-being. Learn more at GreatSchools.org and join us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-national-survey-finds-parents-want-clearer-school-information–and-are-more-satisfied-when-they-can-find-it-302636049.html

SOURCE GreatSchools.org

MORRIS, Ill., Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ECA Solar is pleased to announce that the lawsuit filed by the city of Morris seeking to halt the company’s planned solar development outside city boundaries has been dismissed with prejudice by the Grundy County Circuit Court. Earlier this year, the city of Morris filed suit against Grundy County, a private landowner, and an ECA Solar subsidiary, Gore Road Community Energy Initiative. This decisive ruling affirms the project’s legality and clears the way for continued progress in delivering clean, reliable energy to the region.

“We thank the courts for making the right decision,” said Todd Fryatt, CEO of ECA Solar. “This ruling allows us to move forward with confidence as we continue developing a project that will deliver long-term environmental and economic benefits to the community. We look forward to working constructively with the municipality and the broader community to ensure this project reflects shared values, enhances local opportunities, and supports a sustainable energy future for the region.”

ECA Solar looks forward to continued engagement with stakeholders throughout the development process and remains committed to transparent communication as the project progresses.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eca-solar-welcomes-courts-decision-allowing-advancement-of-solar-development-project-302636017.html

SOURCE ECA Solar

BEIJING, Dec. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CGTN published an article on the post-disaster rescue and reconstruction efforts following a devastating fire in Tai Po in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), highlighting the collective efforts by the central government and the HKSAR government, Hong Kong residents, volunteers from the mainland, and different sectors of society.

At Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, residents have quietly returned to homes they’ll never be able to live in again – some for the first time since the devastating fire on November 26. Many came only to retrieve what little they could carry. But they were not alone.

Clusters of volunteers stood ready to help them pack up belongings and guide families to the waiting vans. Nearby, an unattended truck sat with its back doors open, stocked with bottled drinks, cardboard boxes and plastic bags – free for anyone who needed them.

Among those offering help was Wong Chi-chuen, 58-year-old taxi driver. For five straight days, Wong and several fellow drivers had been shuttling residents for free. “We start at eight and don’t stop until late,” he said. “Yes, it hurts our incomes, but helping people matters more.”

From long lines of volunteers to steady donations from across society, Hong Kong has mobilized on a remarkable scale, coming together to support families hit by the tragedy.

Government steps up support

In the wake of the fire, Chinese President Xi Jinping immediately urged all-out efforts to extinguish the blaze and minimize casualties and losses. He also extended his deep condolences, as well as his sympathies to the victims’ families and all those affected by the fire.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, within hours of the disaster, launched a citywide rescue and resettlement operation. Temporary shelters opened across Tai Po the same night, and emergency payments were issued immediately.

As of December 5, 1,369 residents had been placed in youth hostels, camps and hotel rooms. Another 2,499 people had moved into transitional housing. Chief Executive John Lee pledged that “no affected family will be left behind” and said the accommodation will be free throughout the reconstruction period.

One day after the fire, each affected household was given an emergency payment of HK$10,000. The government later announced HK$200,000 in condolence payments to the families of victims. It also provided HK$50,000 in living allowances for affected households – an amount later increased to HK$100,000.

The Social Welfare Department has reached out to over 4,900 residents from over 1,900 households as part of its “one social worker per household” support scheme, providing counseling, coordinating supplies and offering day-to-day help. Each household is also paired with two civil servants to assist with medical visits, packing, transport and other practical needs.

Lion Rock spirit

The tragedy has prompted a strong wave of compassion from across Hong Kong and beyond.

On the day of the fire, residents brought clothing, food and water to shelters, while long queues formed at blood donation centers. A shipment of urgently needed blankets was transported overnight from the mainland’s Dongguan to Tai Po.

Volunteers have been working around the clock at shelters and transitional housing sites to ensure residents can get help whenever they need. Once a request is made, volunteers coordinate and deliver supplies quickly.

“Hong Kong people have the Lion Rock spirit. When one suffers, everyone supports,” said Mei Siu-fung, head of the Tai Po District Care Team, adding about 400 local volunteers responded within hours after the fire. The Lion Rock spirit, often described as the spirit of Hong Kong, reflects the city’s collective resilience and determination to overcome hardship and strive for a better life.

Support has also flowed in from the mainland and Macao. Shenzhen residents organized supply trucks. Children and elder villagers from Guizhou donated what they could. Mainland organizations–large and small –mobilized medical gear, relief materials and millions in funding. The Macao Foundation sent HK$30 million.

Public donations to the support fund for Wang Fuk Court have now reached around HK$3 billion. Together with HK$300 million in seed funding from the HKSAR government, the fund totals roughly HK$3.3 billion and will support rebuilding and long-term assistance.

“Disasters are merciless, but people have love,” Lee said. “The care and donations from Guangdong, Macao and many others reflect compassion, solidarity and hope. The government will ensure every dollar goes toward helping residents rebuild their lives.”

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-12-08/In-the-wake-of-tragedy-Hong-Kong-comes-together-to-rebuild-1IWyRq86a6k/p.html

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgtn-in-the-wake-of-tragedy-hong-kong-comes-together-to-rebuild-302635933.html

SOURCE CGTN