Tag: PR Newswire

New April slate spotlights climate adaptation, renewable energy, responsible AI, and global equity—highlighting real-world solutions with measurable impact

NEW YORK, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From climate disruption to artificial intelligence, a defining question is shaping global conversations: what solutions are actually working?

The Planet Classroom Network today announces the release of six new short films premiering in April 2026, exploring net-zero climate leadership, climate adaptation, renewable energy innovation, responsible AI, global food security, and inclusive economic growth.

Curated by Planet Classroom and its international partners, the April slate moves beyond awareness to focus on implementation—highlighting how innovation, policy, and community action intersect to deliver measurable results.

Climate Leadership and Ocean Governance: From Policy to Practice

Net Zero Speaks with Dr. Josheena Naggea
Curated by Protect Our Planet & Planet Classroom
Host: Monaaleekh B.K. Gowda

Dr. Josheena Naggea, Blue Food Futures Program Manager at the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions and IPBES Transformative Change Fellow, examines how climate adaptation, ocean governance, biodiversity conservation, and gender equity must align to deliver credible net-zero outcomes in Mauritius and the Western Indian Ocean.

The episode positions coastal communities as leaders of climate resilience and youth as accountability partners—moving net-zero policy from targets to real-world implementation.

Renewable Energy Innovation Tackling Poverty at the Community Level

Pedal It Forward
Curated for Planet Classroom by Actuality Abroad
Director: J. Cole Gerke

In Cochabamba, Bolivia—where 64% of the population lives below the poverty line—Freddy Candia transforms discarded bicycles into pedal-powered renewable energy systems serving his community.

Views Critic Bridget Alvarez writes:

“Pedal It Forward presents innovation not as high-tech disruption, but as resourceful problem-solving rooted in compassion.”

Culture and Climate: Storytelling as Collective Reflection

While Every Sense Is Nourished, the Soul Rests
Curated by Planet Classroom
Director: Grant Lee Bomar

Blending choreography, cinematic storytelling, and original score, this contemporary dance film explores how culture shapes collective response to environmental change.

Views Critic Rhea Mursalin writes:

“A visually immersive contemporary dance film that blends choreography, cinematography, and original music into a reflective artistic experience.”

Responsible AI and the Global Eldercare Challenge

Sensi.AI: AI for Senior Care
Series: Planet Classroom — Problem Solver
Created by Adrian Armstrong

As global caregiver shortages intensify, this film examines how AI-powered monitoring systems can support aging populations through fall detection, dementia alerts, and real-time assistance.

Views Critic Cameran Small writes:

“An accessible and timely look at how artificial intelligence can address healthcare gaps with compassion and innovation.”

Global Hunger: Science-Based Solutions That Scale

Solving Global Hunger at Its Roots
Series: Planet Classroom — Problem Solver
Producer: Olivia Vogt
Featuring: Action Against Hunger

With over 800 million people affected worldwide, the film highlights four pillars of impact: nutrition, clean water, food security, and emergency response—demonstrating that hunger is a solvable systems challenge.

Views Critic Gabriela Zavala writes:

“The film presents hunger not as an inevitable tragedy, but as a solvable global challenge rooted in systems that can be changed.”

AI and Inclusive Economic Growth Through Tourism

Airbnb & AI: Empowering Inclusive Tourism Worldwide
Series: Planet Classroom — Problem Solver
Created by Farren Howard

This film explores how AI-powered platforms can expand economic opportunity for underserved communities—contributing billions to local economies and supporting job creation at scale.

Views Critic Alex Silverman writes:

“A timely look at how travel technology can expand opportunity beyond major urban centers.”

Also Streaming: Expanding the Global Conversation

Additional films now streaming include:

• Family Ties — Curated by KIDS FIRST! Film Festival
• A23a: What Are You Trying to Tell Us? — Curated by Planet Classroom
• This Is My Place — Curated by Actuality Abroad
• The Giving Tree — Curated by Actuality Abroad

Together, these films point to a larger shift: the future will be defined not by ideas alone, but by solutions that can scale across communities, sectors, and systems.

🎬 All films are now streaming on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube Channel

Subscribe for weekly short films spotlighting climate leadership, responsible AI, youth innovation, and global solutions.

The Planet Classroom Network, produced by CMRubinWorld, is a global media ecosystem and YouTube channel uniting creators, youth leaders, educators, policymakers, and international partners. Featuring nearly 1,000 original films from more than 400 international filmmakers and curators, Planet Classroom explores climate action, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and global innovation, amplifying youth voice and measurable solutions worldwide.

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SOURCE Planet Classroom Network

Airline plans 2026 events on May 5 (5.5), June 6 (6.6), July 7 (7.7), August 8, (8.8), September 9 (9.9), October 10 (10.10), and November 11 (11.11)

United honors 40 years of supporting Make-A-Wish as the airline celebrates its 100^th anniversary with immersive experiences across hub airports

CHICAGO, April 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — United Airlines and Make-A-Wish today announced the launch of “Make More Wishes,” seven immersive events across the U.S. giving children fighting critical illnesses and their families behind-the-scenes access to all aspects of aviation.

The immersive experiences at each of United’s hubs may include opportunities to spend time in flight simulators, experience inflight training for United’s Flight Attendants, visit the ramp and Station Operation Centers, meet with pilots and more.

When a month and day share a number, it’s often considered a good time to make wishes or set an intention. Make More Wishes events will take place at each of United’s seven hubs, culminating in United’s hometown, Chicago, on 11/11, a day widely considered a symbolic moment to make a wish.

• May 5, 2026 – Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) Airport
• June 6, 2026 – Washington Dulles International (IAD) Airport
• July 7, 2026 – Denver International (DEN) Airport
• August 8, 2026 – Newark Liberty International (EWR) Airport
• September 9, 2026 – Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport
• October 10, 2026 – San Francisco International (SFO) Airport
• November 11, 2026 – Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) Airport

“For 40 years, United has helped make thousands of wishes possible, building a legacy rooted in compassion, connection and impact,” said Kate Gebo, United’s Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations and Make-A-Wish America national board member. “As we celebrate 100 years at United, we’re expanding and deepening our commitment to these Make-A-Wish families by providing access to experiences and passions in addition to fulfilling wishes.”

“When a child with a critical illness travels for their wish, it can be a powerful moment for the entire family, often the first time they’ve felt hope in months,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make‑A‑Wish America. “For 40 years, United’s pilots, flight crews, employees, and customers have helped make those moments possible. Through travel and the Miles on a Mission^SM program, United helps bring comfort, ease stress, and support the emotional well‑being of children and families during an incredibly difficult time, helping more kids reach the place where their wish comes true.”

A Legacy of Impact
Over more than four decades, United Airlines has partnered with Make-A-Wish to help grant life-changing travel wishes for children with critical illnesses. More than 75 percent of wishes involve travel, and United plays a critical role in making them possible with hundreds of wish families flown annually across its global network.

Beyond flights, United employees volunteer their time to support families throughout the travel journey, as well as at wish events, fundraisers, and local chapter activities. From assisting families during travel to creating personalized send-offs and assembling Kynd Kits filled with comfort items and gifts, employees deliver support at every step of the journey.

Our Customers’ Impact
United customers can join in supporting Make-A-Wish by donating miles or money through United’s Miles on a Mission. MileagePlus® members can donate unused miles directly to Make-A-Wish, while customers can also make monetary donations. More than 10 million miles are donated each year through the Miles on a Mission platform.

April is World Wish Month – the time of year when Make-A-Wish invites the world to join its mission. Wishes wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and generosity of WishMakers of all kinds who take action for wish kids and make life-changing wishes come true. United will match customer donations up to 1 million miles through April 30, 2026, doubling the impact and helping grant even more life-changing wishes.

Customers can become a MileagePlus member for free to begin earning and donating miles immediately.

About United
At United, Good Leads The Way. With U.S. hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., United operates the most comprehensive global route network among North American carriers and is now the largest airline in the world as measured by available seat miles. For more about how to join the United team, please visit www.united.com/careers and more information about the company is at www.united.com. United Airlines Holdings, Inc., the parent company of United Airlines, Inc., is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol “UAL”.

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SOURCE United Airlines

MILAN, Italy, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — During the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milano and Cortina, more than 600 volunteers with the Foundation for a Drug-Free World traveled across Italy to educate athletes, tourists and residents about the harmful effects of drugs and provide materials aimed at prevention.

At the Milano Olympic Village, volunteers presented Truth About Drugs educational materials to 143 athletes and staff members. Those introduced to the campaign represented 37 countries, including Italy, Brazil, Belgium, Sweden, New Zealand and the Czech Republic, and signed a pledge to stay drug-free.

After receiving a Truth About Drugs booklet, a Belgian speed skater emphasized the importance of education in prevention efforts: “The most important part is knowledge and how bad it could be for your body. The most important part is just knowing what happens because I think it’s still not fully known, especially for the kids.” He added, “We should all be drug-free, especially in sports where it’s definitely dangerous to take drugs.”

Beyond the Olympic Village, volunteers distributed more than two million Truth About Drugs booklets throughout Italy. The materials were also placed in more than 12,000 shops, making them available to customers as well as tourists and local residents.

Volunteers reported strong public interest in the campaign. In Milano, one volunteer group was approached by a woman who asked for a display stand after learning about the materials. According to the volunteers, she said there were about 100 families in her apartment building and that she would distribute the booklets herself.

In Brescia, a volunteer described similar enthusiasm from local businesses: “The owner said he had already received one booklet display recently but had run out because he himself was putting one in each customer’s bag with their meat.” Volunteers said they encountered comparable responses in many cities along their route.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nongovernmental drug education and prevention organization. Through its international network of volunteers, millions of educational booklets and prevention materials have been distributed in more than 190 countries. Supported by the Church of Scientology, these materials are provided free of charge to individuals and groups seeking to address drug abuse through education and prevention.

For more information, visit www.drugfreeworld.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/foundation-for-a-drug-free-world-volunteers-reach-athletes-and-communities-across-italy-during-2026-winter-olympics-302734169.html

SOURCE Foundation for a Drug-Free World

MILAN, Italy, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — During the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milano and Cortina, more than 600 volunteers with the Foundation for a Drug-Free World traveled across Italy to educate athletes, tourists and residents about the harmful effects of drugs and provide materials aimed at prevention.

At the Milano Olympic Village, volunteers presented Truth About Drugs educational materials to 143 athletes and staff members. Those introduced to the campaign represented 37 countries, including Italy, Brazil, Belgium, Sweden, New Zealand and the Czech Republic, and signed a pledge to stay drug-free.

After receiving a Truth About Drugs booklet, a Belgian speed skater emphasized the importance of education in prevention efforts: “The most important part is knowledge and how bad it could be for your body. The most important part is just knowing what happens because I think it’s still not fully known, especially for the kids.” He added, “We should all be drug-free, especially in sports where it’s definitely dangerous to take drugs.”

Beyond the Olympic Village, volunteers distributed more than two million Truth About Drugs booklets throughout Italy. The materials were also placed in more than 12,000 shops, making them available to customers as well as tourists and local residents.

Volunteers reported strong public interest in the campaign. In Milano, one volunteer group was approached by a woman who asked for a display stand after learning about the materials. According to the volunteers, she said there were about 100 families in her apartment building and that she would distribute the booklets herself.

In Brescia, a volunteer described similar enthusiasm from local businesses: “The owner said he had already received one booklet display recently but had run out because he himself was putting one in each customer’s bag with their meat.” Volunteers said they encountered comparable responses in many cities along their route.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nongovernmental drug education and prevention organization. Through its international network of volunteers, millions of educational booklets and prevention materials have been distributed in more than 190 countries. Supported by the Church of Scientology, these materials are provided free of charge to individuals and groups seeking to address drug abuse through education and prevention.

For more information, visit www.drugfreeworld.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/foundation-for-a-drug-free-world-volunteers-reach-athletes-and-communities-across-italy-during-2026-winter-olympics-302734169.html

SOURCE Foundation for a Drug-Free World

CANCUN, Mexico, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 2nd, Sense Adventure celebrated 26 years of providing a profound sensory experience to Sunset World Group members and guests in Tres Ríos Natural Park. This experience invites an authentic reconnection where each participant awakens their intuition, explores new sensations, and finds a space of tranquility in contact with nature.

Throughout these years, Sense Adventure has constantly evolved, renewing its offering to provide an increasingly enriching experience. On this journey, participants explore the environment blindfolded, allowing touch, smell, taste, and hearing to become their guides. The sound of seeds, the coolness of water, the warmth of fire, the aroma of flowers, and the texture of rocks transform into a language that connects deeply with emotions.

More than just an activity, Sense Adventure is a journey of self-discovery that invites acceptance and adaptation, strengthening the connection with nature, the group, and oneself. In this carefully designed environment within Tres Ríos Natural Park—surrounded by jungle, cenotes, rivers, and diverse flora and fauna—every moment fosters a sense of harmony, well-being, and inner balance.

Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Tres Ríos Natural Park and its attractions are situated on 132 hectares of well-preserved tropical rainforest, where three freshwater rivers flow, ten cenotes emerge, and more than 90 animal and 120 plant species thrive. As one of the Riviera Maya’s privately owned natural treasures, Tres Ríos operates under strict environmental regulations, following a sustainable tourism model that governs all development within the property.

Sunset World Group is a Mexican family business founded by some of the pioneers of Cancun who helped turn it into the most sought-after tourist destination worldwide. Sunset World Group has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and a sincere passion for environmental conservation, which is why it implemented an Energy Efficiency Program by substituting supply technologies in its six hotels in Cancun and The Riviera Maya. In addition, all Sunset World hotels are supplied with clean and renewable energy produced at Mexican wind farms and geothermal plants, which has considerably reduced the company’s carbon footprint. The activity and gastronomy programs in all six hotels are updated and expanded constantly for the enjoyment of all family members, since Sunset World Group always focuses on providing the best vacation experiences for its members and guests.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sense-adventure-celebrates-26-years-of-offering-sunset-world-group-members-and-guests-a-sensory-immersion-experience-in-tres-rios-natural-park-302734080.html

SOURCE Sunset World Resorts & Vacation Experiences

CANCUN, Mexico, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 2nd, Sense Adventure celebrated 26 years of providing a profound sensory experience to Sunset World Group members and guests in Tres Ríos Natural Park. This experience invites an authentic reconnection where each participant awakens their intuition, explores new sensations, and finds a space of tranquility in contact with nature.

Throughout these years, Sense Adventure has constantly evolved, renewing its offering to provide an increasingly enriching experience. On this journey, participants explore the environment blindfolded, allowing touch, smell, taste, and hearing to become their guides. The sound of seeds, the coolness of water, the warmth of fire, the aroma of flowers, and the texture of rocks transform into a language that connects deeply with emotions.

More than just an activity, Sense Adventure is a journey of self-discovery that invites acceptance and adaptation, strengthening the connection with nature, the group, and oneself. In this carefully designed environment within Tres Ríos Natural Park—surrounded by jungle, cenotes, rivers, and diverse flora and fauna—every moment fosters a sense of harmony, well-being, and inner balance.

Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Tres Ríos Natural Park and its attractions are situated on 132 hectares of well-preserved tropical rainforest, where three freshwater rivers flow, ten cenotes emerge, and more than 90 animal and 120 plant species thrive. As one of the Riviera Maya’s privately owned natural treasures, Tres Ríos operates under strict environmental regulations, following a sustainable tourism model that governs all development within the property.

Sunset World Group is a Mexican family business founded by some of the pioneers of Cancun who helped turn it into the most sought-after tourist destination worldwide. Sunset World Group has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and a sincere passion for environmental conservation, which is why it implemented an Energy Efficiency Program by substituting supply technologies in its six hotels in Cancun and The Riviera Maya. In addition, all Sunset World hotels are supplied with clean and renewable energy produced at Mexican wind farms and geothermal plants, which has considerably reduced the company’s carbon footprint. The activity and gastronomy programs in all six hotels are updated and expanded constantly for the enjoyment of all family members, since Sunset World Group always focuses on providing the best vacation experiences for its members and guests.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sense-adventure-celebrates-26-years-of-offering-sunset-world-group-members-and-guests-a-sensory-immersion-experience-in-tres-rios-natural-park-302734080.html

SOURCE Sunset World Resorts & Vacation Experiences

CANCUN, Mexico, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 2nd, Sense Adventure celebrated 26 years of providing a profound sensory experience to Sunset World Group members and guests in Tres Ríos Natural Park. This experience invites an authentic reconnection where each participant awakens their intuition, explores new sensations, and finds a space of tranquility in contact with nature.

Throughout these years, Sense Adventure has constantly evolved, renewing its offering to provide an increasingly enriching experience. On this journey, participants explore the environment blindfolded, allowing touch, smell, taste, and hearing to become their guides. The sound of seeds, the coolness of water, the warmth of fire, the aroma of flowers, and the texture of rocks transform into a language that connects deeply with emotions.

More than just an activity, Sense Adventure is a journey of self-discovery that invites acceptance and adaptation, strengthening the connection with nature, the group, and oneself. In this carefully designed environment within Tres Ríos Natural Park—surrounded by jungle, cenotes, rivers, and diverse flora and fauna—every moment fosters a sense of harmony, well-being, and inner balance.

Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Tres Ríos Natural Park and its attractions are situated on 132 hectares of well-preserved tropical rainforest, where three freshwater rivers flow, ten cenotes emerge, and more than 90 animal and 120 plant species thrive. As one of the Riviera Maya’s privately owned natural treasures, Tres Ríos operates under strict environmental regulations, following a sustainable tourism model that governs all development within the property.

Sunset World Group is a Mexican family business founded by some of the pioneers of Cancun who helped turn it into the most sought-after tourist destination worldwide. Sunset World Group has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and a sincere passion for environmental conservation, which is why it implemented an Energy Efficiency Program by substituting supply technologies in its six hotels in Cancun and The Riviera Maya. In addition, all Sunset World hotels are supplied with clean and renewable energy produced at Mexican wind farms and geothermal plants, which has considerably reduced the company’s carbon footprint. The activity and gastronomy programs in all six hotels are updated and expanded constantly for the enjoyment of all family members, since Sunset World Group always focuses on providing the best vacation experiences for its members and guests.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sense-adventure-celebrates-26-years-of-offering-sunset-world-group-members-and-guests-a-sensory-immersion-experience-in-tres-rios-natural-park-302734080.html

SOURCE Sunset World Resorts & Vacation Experiences

CANCUN, Mexico, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 2nd, Sense Adventure celebrated 26 years of providing a profound sensory experience to Sunset World Group members and guests in Tres Ríos Natural Park. This experience invites an authentic reconnection where each participant awakens their intuition, explores new sensations, and finds a space of tranquility in contact with nature.

Throughout these years, Sense Adventure has constantly evolved, renewing its offering to provide an increasingly enriching experience. On this journey, participants explore the environment blindfolded, allowing touch, smell, taste, and hearing to become their guides. The sound of seeds, the coolness of water, the warmth of fire, the aroma of flowers, and the texture of rocks transform into a language that connects deeply with emotions.

More than just an activity, Sense Adventure is a journey of self-discovery that invites acceptance and adaptation, strengthening the connection with nature, the group, and oneself. In this carefully designed environment within Tres Ríos Natural Park—surrounded by jungle, cenotes, rivers, and diverse flora and fauna—every moment fosters a sense of harmony, well-being, and inner balance.

Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Tres Ríos Natural Park and its attractions are situated on 132 hectares of well-preserved tropical rainforest, where three freshwater rivers flow, ten cenotes emerge, and more than 90 animal and 120 plant species thrive. As one of the Riviera Maya’s privately owned natural treasures, Tres Ríos operates under strict environmental regulations, following a sustainable tourism model that governs all development within the property.

Sunset World Group is a Mexican family business founded by some of the pioneers of Cancun who helped turn it into the most sought-after tourist destination worldwide. Sunset World Group has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and a sincere passion for environmental conservation, which is why it implemented an Energy Efficiency Program by substituting supply technologies in its six hotels in Cancun and The Riviera Maya. In addition, all Sunset World hotels are supplied with clean and renewable energy produced at Mexican wind farms and geothermal plants, which has considerably reduced the company’s carbon footprint. The activity and gastronomy programs in all six hotels are updated and expanded constantly for the enjoyment of all family members, since Sunset World Group always focuses on providing the best vacation experiences for its members and guests.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sense-adventure-celebrates-26-years-of-offering-sunset-world-group-members-and-guests-a-sensory-immersion-experience-in-tres-rios-natural-park-302734080.html

SOURCE Sunset World Resorts & Vacation Experiences

Where gratitude takes the stage

HEALDSBURG, Calif. and HONOLULU, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — After the sold-out success of the inaugural Gracianna Concert Series event, Gracianna Winery and Rick Bartalini Presents are proud to announce that legendary music group Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the best-selling artists of all time and longtime Hawaiʻi favorites will be performing on June 13, 2026 in Honolulu. The Gracianna Concert Series is an exclusive program that pairs world-class entertainment with the warmth, hospitality, and meaning of the Gracianna experience.

With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, nine GRAMMY^® Awards, an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and recognition from the Kennedy Center Honors, Earth, Wind & Fire have built one of the most enduring catalogs in popular music. From “Let’s Groove” and “September” to “Reasons,” their music continues to bring people together across generations.

Concert Details
Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026 – ONE NIGHT ONLY
Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi

A special online-only Hawaiʻi resident presale begins Friday, April 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM HST. Tickets go on sale to the mainland on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM HST.

Gracianna Medallion Club^® members can reach out to their ticket concierge here now:
https://gracianna.com/the-gracianna-concert-series-in-hawaii/

“This series is about more than entertainment – it is about connection,” said Rick Bartalini, CEO of Rick Bartalini Presents. “Earth, Wind & Fire have such a deep and lasting relationship with Hawaiʻi, and this show is a chance to bring people together for one of those unforgettable nights that stays with you. With the Gracianna Concert Series, we are pairing iconic artists with a sense of hospitality, gratitude and celebration that feels very natural in the islands.”

As communities across Hawaiʻi continue recovering from recent flooding, a portion of the concert proceeds will be donated to support local relief efforts and affected ʻohana.

Elevated Experiences Only for Gracianna Medallion Club^® Members

The Gracianna Concert Series introduces opportunities available exclusively to Gracianna Medallion Club^® Members:

• Premium Seat Packages – special access to seat selection managed by our ticket concierge.
• Winemaker Dinners & Receptions – intimate, curated gatherings hosted by Gracianna Winery before select shows, pairing Gracianna wines with Hawaiian-influenced cuisine. (Coming soon.)
• Exclusive ‘Alohilani Resort Hospitality Experiences – special partnership rates with
  ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, where modern luxury meets the beauty of Waikīkī,
  combining overnight stays for luxury getaway experiences.

“At Gracianna, we’ve always believed the best moments are the ones people share,” said Lisa Amador, Partner at Gracianna Winery. “The Gracianna Concert Series lets us bring together music, hospitality, and gratitude in a way that feels both elevated and deeply personal.”

Amador added, “Earth, Wind & Fire bring joy the moment they take the stage. Their music is celebratory, timeless, and full of heart – exactly the kind of experience we want this series to create in Hawaiʻi.”

Earth, Wind & Fire share a long and special history with Hawaiʻi, with performances in the islands dating back to 1975, including appearances at the iconic Diamond Head Crater and multiple sold-out shows at Blaisdell Arena. Over the decades, they have become deeply beloved in Hawaiʻi, with a rare connection to local audiences that has endured across generations.

With Rick Bartalini Presents’ legacy of iconic concerts and Gracianna Winery’s ethos of gratitude, the Gracianna Concert Series continues to set a new benchmark for upscale entertainment in the islands.

ABOUT GRACIANNA WINERY
The Amador Family of Sonoma County are the owners of the resilient, award-winning Gracianna Winery, is the official wine of being grateful on the Miracle Mile of Westside Road in Healdsburg, CA. Gracianna wines are for those with something to be grateful for.

ABOUT RICK BARTALINI PRESENTS
Concert industry veteran Rick Bartalini has produced landmark performances for nearly three decades with artists including Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Earth, Wind & Fire, Journey, and Janet Jackson. His shows are known for meticulous production and have become a hallmark of excellence in Hawaiʻi and beyond, bringing hundreds of thousands of fans together for extraordinary nights.

Media Contact:

Lisa Amador

707-292-6522

411548@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Gracianna Winery/Rick Bartalini Presents

TOKYO, April 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — JERA Co., Inc. today announced that its U.S. subsidiary, JERA Americas Inc., has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of California, Berkeley, the top-ranked public research university in the United States, to establish a framework for collaboration in the fields of education, culture, and science.

The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening international collaboration and accelerating open innovation in the energy sector across the JERA Group. By combining JERA’s global energy value chain expertise, including technology, knowledge and international network, with UC Berkeley’s world-leading research capabilities and strong talent base on the U.S. West Coast, the partnership aims to co-create next-generation technologies, talent, and business initiatives that will shape the future of energy systems.

The collaboration will be advanced by JERA Ventures, JERA’s corporate venture capital arm, working closely with relevant JERA Group functions. Serving as a strategic implementation hub, JERA Ventures will connect internal and external innovation ecosystems to translate research excellence into tangible societal value.

For UC Berkeley, the collaboration will be led by the Institute for Business Innovation (IBI) at the UC Berkeley Haas School for Business. IBI’s mission focuses on research, teaching, and programs exploring aspects of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization.

Under the MOU, JERA and the Institute for Business Innovation will explore collaboration in key areas including:

1. Commercialization and real-world implementation of startups and technologies developed by UC Berkeley.
2. Joint research in areas such as decarbonization, digital technologies, robotics and physical AI.
3. Support for UC Berkeley’s education and research programs incorporating JERA Group’s initiatives and green transformation (GX) challenges.
4. Exploration of internship and career development opportunities to cultivate future leaders in energy and GX fields.

“The energy world is undergoing a profound transformation as technology, talent and industry evolve simultaneously,” said Takeshi Kodama, Head of JERA Ventures and Managing Partner. “Through this collaboration with UC Berkeley, we aim not only to participate in this transformation, but to help drive it. As an implementation hub connecting knowledge, talent and capital within and beyond JERA Group, JERA Ventures will work closely with UC Berkeley to build platforms that translate research and innovation into real-world impact that creates societal value.”

“Innovation in the energy industry is rapidly advancing, driven by both an increased need for power and the challenge of transforming to cleaner, more sustainable generation,” said Chris Bush, executive director of the Institute for Business Innovation at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. “JERA’s commitment to helping lead the energy transition and investing in research and technology makes it a great partner for campus. We’re looking forward to engaging with JERA Ventures to put research and concept into practice and commercialize technologies ranging from new battery approaches to novel computing applications for the energy sector.”

“JERA’s assets, reach and long-term vision make it a compelling partner for UC Berkeley researchers, students and innovators who are looking to make a difference at scale,” added Jon Metzler, Continuing Lecturer at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and Director at Haas IBI.  “We look forward to collaborating with JERA across the field of physical AI, digital technologies, and decarbonization.”

JERA’s mission is to provide cutting-edge solutions to the world’s energy issues. By addressing challenges such as climate change, resource constraints, and energy security, JERA aims to deliver cleaner energy solutions that are stable and affordable. Through JERA Ventures, the company will continue collaborating with partners who share a strong sense of social responsibility and an innovative mindset, challenging conventional thinking to identify transformative solutions that go beyond existing paradigms.

About JERA
JERA is a global energy leader and Japan’s largest power generation company focused on providing cutting-edge solutions to the world’s energy issues. Established in 2015, the company produces one-third of Japan’s electricity and is one of the largest LNG buyers in the world. JERA has global reach and strength throughout the energy supply chain, including participation in upstream gas exploration and production, LNG projects, fuel procurement and transportation, and power generation globally. In support of a responsible energy transition, JERA aims to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions from its domestic and overseas businesses by 2050.

About JERA Ventures
JERA Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of the JERA Group, with a strategic investment capacity of USD 300 million. In addition to investing in startups with cutting-edge technologies and innovative business concepts, JERA Ventures actively collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders across industry, government, and academia that form the startup ecosystem. Through these activities, JERA Ventures aims to drive open innovation in the energy sector.

About UC Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley was founded in 1868 and is the oldest member of the University of California educational system. With 74 Nobel laureates, it is consistently ranked as the number one public university in the world. The UC Berkeley Haas School of Business was founded in 1898 and is the oldest business school at a public university in the United States. The Institute for Business Innovation at Berkeley Haas disseminates pioneering research on innovation, trains students to be entrepreneurial leaders, and facilitates innovation in the startup and corporate domains.

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SOURCE JERA Americas, Inc