Latest news with #WETA
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Rain Enhancement Technologies Announces Appointment of Scott Morris as Senior Technical Advisor
Veteran Engineer Brings Over 20 Years of Experience and Deep WETA Platform Expertise To Advisory Role NAPLES, FL / ACCESS Newswire / August 7, 2025 / Rain Enhancement Technologies Holdco, Inc. (NASDAQ:RAIN) ('RET' or the 'Company'), a leading provider of ionization rainfall generation technology, today announced the appointment of Scott Morris as Senior Technical Advisor of Rain Enhancement Technologies, Inc., the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary. This newly created position recognizes the Company's commitment to advancing its Weather Enhancement Technology Array (WETA) platform and scaling its rainfall generation solutions globally. Morris brings over 20 years of electrical engineering and mechanical design expertise to RET, with extensive and ongoing hands-on experience in the design, development, and deployment of the Company's core WETA technology. As Owner and Principal Engineer of Radium Control Solutions, Morris has been instrumental in designing and supervising the original RET array designs and has supported trials in both Oman and Australia. His deep involvement includes the design, project management, and commissioning of electrical panels and control systems specifically for Oman trials, demonstrating proven expertise in delivering the Company's technology in challenging international environments. 'Scott has been actively involved with the design and development of our WETA platform for several years and has been an invaluable contributor to our team,' said Randy Seidl, CEO of Rain Enhancement Technologies. 'His deep technical expertise, combined with his proven track record of delivering complex engineering projects from conception to deployment, makes him the ideal person to drive our technology innovation and support our expanding global operations.' Morris has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of full project lifecycle management, from developing CAPEX proposals and tender submissions to complete delivery of electrical and automation projects across both brownfield and greenfield environments. His expertise spans critical areas including site electrical compliance auditing, SCADA and PLC systems, and remote installation supervision - all essential capabilities as RET scales its rainfall generation technology globally. 'After all these years working with this groundbreaking technology, it's very exciting to see the growing global interest in our solution to address the ongoing water shortage crisis,' said Scott Morris. 'With our first two pilot installations scheduled for deployment before year-end, we're positioned to demonstrate the real-world impact of ionization rainfall generation technology at scale. I look forward to continuing to advance our technology innovation and supporting our mission to provide reliable water access worldwide.' This appointment comes as RET accelerates commercialization of its ionization rainfall generation technology, which has demonstrated the ability to generate an average of approximately 16% additional rainfall in randomized third-party trials. The Company's technology addresses the critical global water scarcity challenge, with nearly two-thirds of the world's population experiencing water shortages for at least one month annually, and demand expected to outpace supply by 40% by 2030. 'Morris's appointment strengthens RET's team as the Company executes on its strategic roadmap for development, innovation, and global expansion' said Seidl. 'His proven ability to deliver complex technical projects in international settings will be instrumental as RET works to establish commercial alliances with private industries and governments worldwide'. About Rain Enhancement Technologies, Inc. Rain Enhancement Technologies was founded to provide the world with reliable access to water, one of life's most important resources. To achieve this mission, RET aims to develop, manufacture and commercialize ionization rainfall generation technology. This weather modification technology seeks to provide the world with reliable access to water, and transform business, society and the planet for the better. To learn more, go to Forward-Looking Statements The disclosure herein includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as 'believe,' 'may,' 'will,' 'estimate,' 'continue,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'expect,' 'should,' 'would,' 'plan,' 'project,' 'forecast,' 'predict,' 'potential,' 'seem,' 'seek,' 'future,' 'outlook,' and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward looking. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (1) statements regarding expected installation of the Company's technology; (2) references with respect to the anticipated benefits of the Company's WETA platform and technology; (3) references to the market opportunity for rain enhancement technologies and products; (4) the projected technological developments of RET; and (5) current and future potential commercial and customer relationships. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of RET's management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of RET. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, as set forth in the section entitled 'Risk Factors' in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on April 16, 2025, as amended from time to time. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties above are not exhaustive, and there may be additional risks that Rain Enhancement Technologies, Inc. ('RETI') and RET do not presently know or that RETI and RET currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward looking statements reflect RETI and RET's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. RETI and RET anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause RETI and RET's assessments to change. However, while RETI and RET Holdco may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, RETI and RET specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing RETI and RET's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Media Contact Linda Maynard Rain Enhancement Technologies Phone: (617) 869-4832 Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Rain Enhancement Technologies press release
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
On The Mountain - A Short Film With A Big Message
A still from the film, On The Mountain. Fernando Rocha Released last year, On The Mountain, is a touching production set against the backdrop of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Inspired by real events, the film follows the journey of Rabia Noori (a teacher from Kabul), delicately shining the spotlight on the psychological anguish of those impacted by war. Starring an almost all-Afghan cast and written by an award-winning Pakistani-Dutch filmmaker, Anya Raza, On The Mountain made its US debut this year on WETA, the PBS affiliate channel, based out of Washington D.C. Currently presenting her film at screenings in Pakistan and abroad, Raza speaks to Forbes Life about what drove her to make a film about an 'unexpected hero, whose perspective we never get to hear.' SR: You have an upcoming screening at the Dutch embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, this week. What has it been like touring with On The Mountain? AR: Since our premiere in April 2024, we've travelled the world from Lebanon to Bolivia, the US, Canada and Pakistan, and have been featured at festivals, community centers and classrooms. We've had plenty of love along the way, snagging a few awards and nominations to boot. Picture Motion even helped us with a discussion guide to make it easier to host. The positive responses we've had have shown how shared experiences and access to new perspectives are essential for building healthy communities. The PBS deal felt like a full circle moment for me - having the opportunity to premiere back in DC, the heart of decision-making, and plant that little seed of, does it really have to be this way? Anya Raza with members of her team during the filming of her film, Still Here. Gaby Sosa SR: Have you always been driven towards activism and social work? AR: Activism has always been a part of my personality. From a very young age, I was always busy with social causes, making friendship bracelets to 'save the animals' (as my 7-year-old self would say) or picking up garbage to fight pollution, or even accompanying my mother to volunteer at a local burn victim unit. I've been raised with eyes wide open to what is happening around me. We live in a devastatingly beautiful world that contains multitudes, of both joy and despair. What can we do to make this world a more balanced and peaceful place for everybody, not just ourselves? Much of my career was dedicated to humanitarian work. Oftentimes, my job was to counter conventional narratives and transform beneficiaries from statistics to three-dimensional people, in order to raise awareness and funds. To me, this work has always felt deeply personal. Anya Raza Mobeen Ansari SR: Rabia Balkhi, the 10th-century poet from Afghanistan, inspired one of your characters in the film. Could you tell us more about how she influenced the role of Rabia Noori? AR: Rabia Balkhi lived over a thousand years ago, and is the first poet known to write in Persian. In many ways, a symbol of defiance against patriarchy, she spoke truth to power beautifully. Inspired by her fearlessness and honesty, we show our protagonist strong and poised as the family battles for their survival in On The Mountain. Rabia Balkhi fought until her dying breath - to be with the man she loved, a slave, named Baktash. This is what inspired me to show the love and tenderness in a family, and how they care for each other at a time of crisis. A reminder that love is universal, and limitless. To paraphrase the iconic author, Arundhati Roy, the world keeps telling us who to love, how to love, and how much. As if they know that to love, is to move mountains. SR: How do you see your parallel passions, filmmaking and activism, creating much-needed conversations in the near future? AR: In my last film, Still Here (2022), you see Omar, a survivor of state-sanctioned torture, wrestle with his healing journey. You don't have to show the violence to recognize the damage it causes. My hope is to always stand up for the voices that fall through the cracks. With my films, my hope is simply for the audience to be captivated by a story they've never heard before. The first step is getting people to care. With all my work, my goal has always been to break down silos, encourage empathy and work towards practical and fair solutions. At my core, I believe we need a radical redistribution of power and wealth, so we can finally start putting people over profit. A behind the scenes photo from On The Mountain. Satchi Hover SR: What has been the biggest roadblock that you experienced during the making of On The Mountain? AR: I wanted to make a piece of art that didn't need any footnotes. I wanted people to watch, and even if they had no connection to global politics the last two decades, that they would think, this isn't right. From writing to shooting to editing, we had to work in short bursts, because emotions were so high. In between takes, Zaki, in real life Sayed Akbari, was receiving frantic calls from his distraught nieces in Kabul because schools for girls were shutting down. This is real life, for many. During the edit, I had to tow the line between exposing the truth, without sensationalizing it. I had an incredible team, all who had experience with resettlement, and with them we were able to iterate until we made a gem that not only felt raw, but right. A still from Anya Raza's film, How She Moves (2020) which shone the spotlight on Indu Mihta, a renowned Pakistani dancer and choreographer. The film won 7 awards and was showcased at 27 global film festivals. Aisha Linnea SR: Talk to me about the funding aspect for independent filmmakers like yourself. How do you navigate those crushing funding challenges? AR: You don't. The industry doesn't make sense. On one hand we're starving for new stories, on the other, new perspectives don't get the time of day. Millions of dollars are being pumped into reality TV, while actual real-life stories don't get airtime. We have short attention spans but streamers don't plug short films. All we can do is keep looking for like-minded people and hoping that they recognize what you have to offer. SR: What's next for you Anya? You mentioned that your next film is currently in post-production… AR: It's a short film on time, healing and friendship, told through a variety of creatures, human and otherwise, in a public park. It's a lighter piece with heavier undertones - a reminder that joy is cathartic for healing, and that we must be there for one another. I also have a feature in development, which I'm very excited about!
Business Wire
12-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
National Survey Reveals That Caregiving is One of the Most Life-Enriching Roles Americans Will Ever Experience
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Comfort Keepers,® a market-leading provider of uplifting home care for seniors and adults who need assistance, is proud to celebrate its seventh annual National Day of Joy on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. This year, Comfort Keepers is deepening its commitment to honoring caregivers by connecting the joy of caregiving with its emotional impact through new national survey findings and screenings of the new PBS documentary, Caregiving, in partnership with WETA, the flagship PBS member station in Washington, D.C., and Well Beings, a public health education campaign from public media created by WETA. Launched to encourage people to find joy in everyday moments, the National Day of Joy shines a light on caregivers who bring dignity, purpose, and connection to the lives of seniors. At the heart of this year's celebration is a powerful message: caregiving, while challenging, can be one of life's most meaningful experiences. 'At Comfort Keepers, our mission is to elevate the human spirit, because we believe aging should be filled with joy, purpose, and connection,' said Natalie Black, Chief Executive Officer, Comfort Keepers. 'We're proud to join forces with WETA for Caregiving, to help the public see caregiving through a new lens, one that recognizes both the emotional weight and the extraordinary fulfillment caregiving brings.' To underscore this perspective, Comfort Keepers has released its 2025 National Day of Joy survey. Together, the survey insights and the film reveal a compelling story: caregiving is not just a responsibility, it is a deeply human, often joyful, experience that strengthens relationships and fosters emotional growth. 'Some feel that caregiving can be a burden but most caregivers call it a blessing,' said Sherri Snelling, gerontologist, author and spokesperson for Comfort Keepers. 'Our survey shows that when people care for aging loved ones, they are also getting something back, deep emotional rewards, personal growth and joy.' Talker Research conducted the survey on behalf of Comfort Keepers from April 25-May 1 and polled 1,000 general population adults and 1,000 caregivers. Key survey findings include: Many Americans are caregivers, even if they don't realize it – 53% of those providing support to aging loved ones don't identify as caregivers. For 74% of caregivers the role is one of the most rewarding chapters of their lives. Nearly all (91%) say it deepens bonds with the senior in their care. Almost half (43%) of caregivers never expected to become caregivers, reinforcing the need for awareness and preparation. The majority of Americans (77%), and 88% of caregivers, say their senior parents prefer to age in place. Only about a third of Americans report their senior parents have care plans, leaving many unprepared. Many Americans see caregiving in their future – 73% with caregiving experience, and 48% without, expect to take on the role someday. These insights provide timely context for the release of Caregiving, a new documentary premiering June 24, 2025 on PBS. Created with executive producer Bradley Cooper, the film explores the personal stories of family caregivers and the emotional highs and lows they face. 'WETA is honored to partner with Comfort Keepers to raise awareness about caregiving as both a challenge and a gift,' said Tom Chiodo, Executive Producer, Special Projects, WETA. 'The National Day of Joy and the Caregiving documentary elevate the stories of everyday caregivers and show that we see them, support them, and value their contributions.' More than 26 Comfort Keepers franchises will host local screening events as part of a national campaign supported by 330+ PBS member stations, amplifying the message in communities nationwide. Tune In and Join the Conversation Caregiving premieres June 24, 2025 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS and and is available to stream now at and the PBS App. Short films from the project are available now on In honor of the National Day of Joy, Comfort Keepers invites the public to share their stories using #ShareYourCaregivingStory and tagging @WellBeingsOrg. For more information, or to become a caregiver, visit and follow Comfort Keepers on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. About Comfort Keepers ® For 27 years, Comfort Keepers® has been Elevating the Human Spirit SM through its in-home care network for seniors and other adults by empowering them to maintain their independence and realize joy in the everyday moments. Comfort Keepers operates a franchise network that has grown to more than 600 locations in the U.S. and Canada, serving hundreds of thousands of clients since 1998. The company's nationwide network employs thousands of caregivers, also known as Comfort Keepers ®, who deliver joy through interactive caregiving by continually communicating with, involving, and engaging with seniors in everyday tasks and activities. For more information, visit About Well Beings & Caregiving Caregiving is part of Well Beings, the multiplatform campaign from WETA that launched in 2020 to address the critical health needs in America through original broadcast and digital content, civic engagement campaigns, and impactful local events. The Caregiving national outreach, education, and engagement campaign with Well Beings launched in October 2024 at the United Nations and seeks to spotlight the issues caregivers face, build awareness, and provide resources and a community for caregivers at a time of unprecedented need. For more information, visit Caregiving is a production of Lea Pictures and WETA Washington, D.C., in association with Ark Media. Support for Caregiving is made possible by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical Inc.; OneAmerica Financial Foundation; Comfort Keepers; CareScout Holdings, Inc.; Cherish Health Inc. dba Cherish; Evelyn Y. Davis Foundation; Richard King Mellon Foundation; The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; Ford Foundation; Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation; NextFifty Initiative (Next50); National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); PATH Foundation; Care for All with Respect and Equity (CARE) Fund; The John A. Hartford Foundation; and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. National outreach and engagement partners for Caregiving include Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers; Grantmakers In Aging; Milken Institute | Future of Aging; Global Coalition on Aging; Wallis Annenberg GenSpace; Elizabeth Dole Foundation; National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation; National Minority Health Association; Fred Rogers Productions; Caregiver Action Network; The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care; American Association of Caregiving Youth; Caring Across Generations; SHRM and SHRM Foundation; National Alliance for Caregiving; Lutheran Services in America; Center to Advance Palliative Care; PEOPLE; and
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump Takes Aim at American Institutions
Editor's Note: Washington Week With The Atlantic is a partnership between NewsHour Productions, WETA, and The Atlantic airing every Friday on PBS stations nationwide. Check your local listings, watch full episodes here, or listen to the weekly podcast here. As Donald Trump nears the end of his first 100 days in office, his administration continues to take aim at many American institutions. Panelists joined Washington Week With The Atlantic last night to discuss the administration's stance on the courts, universities, government agencies, and more. Meanwhile, this week Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska told voters that 'we are all afraid,' adding that she's anxious about using her voice, 'because retaliation is real.' 'It is so pervasive, what she is talking about,' Mark Leibovich said last night. She's not talking about 'political intimidation like Elon Musk throwing a bunch of money at an opponent or someone being primaried.' He continued, 'She's talking about physical fear.' Murkowski's sentiments are also not isolated, Leibovich added. 'It's been a real hallmark of this era,' he said. 'Governing is supposed to take place by politics, by persuasion, by debate. Authoritarianism is by intimidation, by threat, by violence in some cases.' Joining the editor in chief of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, to discuss this and more: Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent for The New York Times; Laura Barrón-López, a White House Correspondent for PBS News Hour; Eugene Daniels, a senior Washington correspondent and incoming co-host of The Weekend at MSNBC; and Mark Leibovich, a staff writer at The Atlantic. Watch the full episode here. Article originally published at The Atlantic
Atlantic
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Atlantic
Trump Takes Aim at American Institutions
Editor's Note: Washington Week With The Atlantic is a partnership between NewsHour Productions, WETA, and The Atlantic airing every Friday on PBS stations nationwide. Check your local listings, watch full episodes here, or listen to the weekly podcast here. As Donald Trump nears the end of his first 100 days in office, his administration continues to take aim at many American institutions. Panelists joined Washington Week With The Atlantic last night to discuss the administration's stance on the courts, universities, government agencies, and more. Meanwhile, this week Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska told voters that 'we are all afraid,' adding that she's anxious about using her voice, 'because retaliation is real.' 'It is so pervasive, what she is talking about,' Mark Leibovich said last night. She's not talking about 'political intimidation like Elon Musk throwing a bunch of money at an opponent or someone being primaried.' He continued, 'She's talking about physical fear.' Murkowski's sentiments are also not isolated, Leibovich added. 'It's been a real hallmark of this era,' he said. 'Governing is supposed to take place by politics, by persuasion, by debate. Authoritarianism is by intimidation, by threat, by violence in some cases.' Joining the editor in chief of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, to discuss this and more: Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent for The New York Times; Laura Barrón-López, a White House Correspondent for PBS News Hour; Eugene Daniels, a senior Washington correspondent and incoming co-host of The Weekend at MSNBC; and Mark Leibovich, a staff writer at The Atlantic. Watch the full episode here.
