NLC Energy has a business model that sounds a bit like a wizard turning rocks into gold or a certain biblical fellow who could famously turn water into wine. 

The company builds, owns, and operates renewable natural gas facilities that convert organic waste into useful commodities like clean energy, organic nutrients, clean water, organic liquid carbon dioxide, and dry ice.

Organic waste does not solely mean animal poo. It can also include food waste, grass trimmings, and more. It’s a proven process that should be a key part of building a United States that’s not dependent upon foreign oil.

NLC Energy creates renewable energy.

“Through the process of anaerobic digestion, we harvest the energy stored in organic waste sourced from farms and food manufacturers,” it shared.

By upcycling waste into useful commodities, the company offers a way for waste generators to reduce their carbon footprint and attain ESG goals.

“Low-carbon, renewable natural gas replaces higher-carbon fossil fuels that are used in transportation, by utilities, and by manufacturers. Clients and partners advance towards meeting net-zero carbon emission objectives,” NLC shared on its website.

Those are noble goals that are perhaps not fully embraced by the current political climate.

NLC Energy files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

NLC Energy Denmark LLC, a renewable energy company specializing in organic waste digestion for biogas production, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The company, formerly known as NEW Organic Digestion LLC, operates a facility in Denmark, Wisconsin, while maintaining its principal place of business in Nashua, New Hampshire.

The company filed its voluntary petition on August 16 with a plan already prepared, suggesting a strategic approach to its restructuring efforts. The filing indicates assets valued between $50 million and $100 million, with liabilities ranging from $100 million to $500 million.

NLC Energy reported having between 50 and 99 creditors and stated that funds will be available for distribution to unsecured creditors after administrative expenses are paid.

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The company has filed a restructuring document with the bankruptcy court that was not publicly available on August 16. 

Welles Hatch, NLC Energy’s Chief Financial Officer, signed the petition, which was filed by attorney Jerome R. Kerkman of Kerkman & Dunn.

NLC Energy wants to save the world, literally

NLC Energy has presented itself as part of the solution to the problem of global warming. It’s doing that in a practical, not ideological, way. 

“With more people on the planet, we burn more fuel to regulate temperatures, emitting more carbon, which further warms the atmosphere, requiring yet more energy to regulate temperatures. The vicious cycle accelerates warming, seemingly without remedy. 

What if we could access energy while decelerating our emission of carbon? NLC Energy’s process captures methane before it emits to the atmosphere, converting it to fuel, which, when burned, releases less potent carbon into the atmosphere. With disruptive technology, we can meet the energy needs of the planet while bending the carbon curve towards true neutrality.”

The company has been working toward that while literally paying farmers for their unused manure. That’s a solution to a problem that also comes with added revenue. 

NLC Energy uses dairy manure as its primary feedstock. Manure supplies are sourced from dairy farms in the region near our facility, based in the heart of dairy production in Northeastern Wisconsin.

“From a business perspective, we effectively borrow the farm’s manure for a fee per gallon of manure collected. Once manure has been through the digestion process, it is returned to the farm in amounts equal (gallon for gallon) to that which was collected. The farm is paid for each gallon collected, with the assumption that a modern dairy farm is generating approximately 30 gallons of manure, per cow, per day,” it shared on its website. 

NLC Energy pays for all manure transport, including trucking of the manure from the farm and its subsequent return to the farm. 

In addition, the company will make capital improvements on the farm to facilitate manure collection. Capital improvements may include reception tanks, agitators, pumps, fill stand and other necessary infrastructure on the farm to allow for daily collection and return of manure.

Related: Beyond Meat headed to Chapter 11 bankruptcy

NLC Energy Denmark Chapter 11 bankruptcy at a glance:

• NLC Energy, a renewable natural gas company converting manure and food waste into clean energy, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
• Assets: $50M–$100 million; Liabilities: $100M–$500 million; lists 50–99 creditors.
• CFO Welles Hatch signed the petition, filed by attorney Jerome R. Kerkman.
• Business model: Pays farmers for manure, processes it via anaerobic digestion, returns residue, and covers transport plus farm infrastructure upgrades.
• Company positioned itself as a climate solution, capturing methane before release and supporting ESG/net-zero goals.
• NLC has filed a bankruptcy plan, but it has not been made public yet. 

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When the Covid-19 public health crisis began in the U.S. with the first confirmed case of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Washington state on Jan. 20, 2020, the terrifying pandemic was underway, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would report its first confirmed death from the virus on Feb. 29.

By March 3, 2020, CDC reported 60 confirmed cases in 12 states. On March 13, the first Trump administration declared a national emergency, and states started implementing shutdowns on March 15, according to the CDC’s timeline of Covid-19 events.

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Biotechnology firms Pfizer-BioTech and Moderna Therapeutics began developing Covid-19 vaccines in March 2020, and by November 2020, each company’s Covid-19 vaccine would be found 95% effective in clinical trials.

Related: CVS rival pharmacy chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Another biotech firm, Regeneron, in November received approval of an antibody treatment to significantly reduce virus levels within days.

In December 2020, Covid-19 vaccinations began, and by Dec. 24, 1 million people had been vaccinated in the U.S.

Over 1 million U.S. Covid-19 deaths reported by June 2022

CDC said that by June 1, 2022, the U.S. reported over 84 million Covid-19 infections and over 1 million deaths.

About a year later, Pfizer reported on its website that on May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization declared an end to the Covid-19 public health emergency, while the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services did the same on May 11, 2023.    

The healthcare industry’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic was so effective that beginning on May 1, 2024, hospitals were no longer required to report Covid-19 hospital admissions, hospital capacity, or hospital occupancy data to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National  Healthcare Safety Network, according to the CDC website.

End of Covid-19 pandemic also kills drug companies

The end of the crisis also ended the need for massive amounts of Covid-19 drugs.

With the Covid-19 pandemic subsiding, companies that stepped forward to develop vaccines, drugs, and treatments during the crisis are now facing declining demand for their services to develop Covid-19 products.

With no dire need for Covid-19 products, some drug companies have been forced to downsize or even shut down operations because of a lack of business opportunities.

Aluchua Government Services files for bankruptcy 

Essential drug manufacturer Aluchua Government Services Inc., which developed Covid-19 therapy drugs under U.S. government contracts, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with plans to wind down operations and sell its assets.

Related: Giant healthcare company files Chapter 11 bankruptcy seeking sale

The Aluchua, Fla.-based pharmaceutical company filed its petition in the U.S Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, listing $50 million in assets and $100 million to $500 million in liabilities.

The debtor’s largest creditors include United States International Development Finance Corp., owed $246 million; Defense Contract Management Agency, owed $11.95 million; and Sigma-Aldrich Inc. $1.33 million.

Aluchua was founded in 1999 to develop new drugs and to increase efficacy of existing ones.

In 2013, it was awarded a greenfield contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, and in February 2020, it was awarded a contract to develop an advanced monoclonal antibody therapy against Covid-19 infection.

The Covid-19 drug was one of several that the debtor partnered with the U.S. government to develop and produce drugs, vaccines, and treatments.

Demand for Covid-19 drugs declines

The debtor needed to file for Chapter 11 protection after demand for its services began to decline in late 2023 and certain government contracts were wound down or scaled back, according to Aluchua’s Chief Restructuring Officer Janet R. Naifeh of FTI Consulting Inc.

Aluchua’s efforts to replace its government business with commercial contracts failed, which forced it to scale down production and lay off 125 employees from January through April 2025.

It reduced its staff by another 67 employees on June 20 and July 1, which, combined with the earlier layoffs, amounted to termination of 80% of its workforce.

The company employed 13 full-time and three temporary workers as of the petition date.

The company marketed itself for sale beginning in February 2025, but was unable to complete a transaction and decided its only viable option was to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, wind down its business, and sell its assets.

Related: Iconic retail chain closing its remaining stores in bankruptcy

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Diabetes seemingly does not get the attention it deserves, given how many Americans suffer from it. The Centers for Disease Control shared some sobering numbers on how many Americans are impacted.

• Total: 38.4 million people have diabetes (11.6% of the U.S. population)
• Diagnosed: 29.7 million people, including 29.4 million adults
• Undiagnosed: 8.7 million people (22.8% of adults with diabetes are undiagnosed)

And, despite its prevalence, many Americans don’t actually fully understand what diabetes is.

Related: Iconic mall retail chain facing Chapter 11 bankruptcy

“Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Glucose is your body’s main source of energy. Your body can make glucose, but glucose also comes from the food you eat,” the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases shared, 

Most people know that diabetes involves insulin, but that might be all they know.

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“Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy. If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough — or any —insulin, or doesn’t use insulin properly. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells,” the federal agency shared.

Diabetes raises the risk for damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. Diabetes is also linked to some types of cancer.  

LifeScan has been helping people manage diabetes

LifeScan may not be a household name, but the company has been a leader in helping people manage diabetes. The company laid out its goals on its website. 

“Our vision is to create a world without limits for people with diabetes and related conditions,” that shared.

That’s a very big goal, but the company has tackled it on a measured basis for decades.

“For more than 40 years LifeScan has advanced glucose management and diabetes care with pioneering technologies and new products defined by simplicity, accuracy and trust. From OneTouch brand blood glucose meters, test strips, and lancets to an integrated digital health platform and hospital point-of-care systems,” the company shared.

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LifeScan has built its business around helping patients live fuller lives.  

“Through partnerships with industry leaders, we will usher in the next wave of personalized health and wellness experiences that engage people with diabetes and related conditions to live their best lives. We accomplish our vision by living Our Shared Values of Care, Create, Connect and Compete. These values guide our actions and are the cornerstone of all that we do,” the company posted.

LifeScan files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

LifeScan IP Holdings, LLC, an intellectual property holding company for diabetes care and blood glucose monitoring technology, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Southern District of Texas. 

The company, which manages the patents and intellectual property for LifeScan’s diabetes management products including glucose meters and testing solutions, reported both assets and liabilities in the range of $1 billion to $10 billion and has between 1,000-5,000 creditors.

LifeScan has entered into a Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) with its first- and second-lien lenders and current equity sponsor, Platinum Equity, that will transform its balance sheet and position the company for a stronger and more profitable future. As contemplated in the RSA, LifeScan expects to reduce more than 75% of its debt, which will enable the company to accelerate strategic investments that will support the future of the business.

“The company expects to emerge from this process under the majority ownership of a group of the company’s existing lenders, with whom it has had a longstanding and productive relationship. Importantly, the company’s financial partners recognize the strong and growing potential of the glucose management industry, and through this process have committed their support for LifeScan’s go-forward strategy,” it shared. 

LifeScan’s international subsidiaries are not included in the Chapter 11 filing in the U.S.

“This balance sheet restructuring will significantly strengthen LifeScan’s financial position, enabling us to continue serving more than 20 million customers across 50+ countries and put new growth strategies in place,” said LifeScan CEO Valerie Asbury.

Related: Bankrupt giant retail chain closes its remaining locations

She made it clear that the company understands how important its products are to its customers.  

“In the U.S., we will continue to take action to expand access to OneTouch so consumers can continue to manage their health with our reliable and affordable products, without the need for a prescription. We recognize that our products are essential for people with diabetes to make life-sustaining decisions and are evolving our model to bring products and services to market through multiple channels,” she added.   

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Rental car companies don’t have great reputations as many of them seem to have no idea that you’re coming even though you made a reservation. An industry that should know its entire demand outside of walk-ups has never seemed to staff its stores based on the knowledge.

During busier times, companies like Dollar, Hertz, and Sixt don’t seem to add workers, or print rental contracts in advance. In fact, the entire industry seems based on outdated technology.

Related: United Airlines cancels routes permanently, offers refunds

It should not take 15 minutes to actually fill out your paperwork, but it usually does, and that includes having to navigate a gauntlet of scams. Do you want insurance? It’s hard to know because your actual car insurance policy and some credit cards may protect you.

Even harder is the question about filling up the gas tank. It’s usually cheaper to do it yourself, unless you intend to use more than one full tank, but unless you know that there’s a gas station near the rental car return (there rarely is) then you run the risk of paying a penalty. 

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It’s a confounding process where it only pays to be loyal if you’re a frequent renter. Bring loyal comes with a lot less hassle, but infrequent renters generally spend much less by shopping each rental player for the best price.

Few people like any of these companies which seem to be engineered to add hassle to your trip. Now, a big name national rental brand appears to have abruptly shut down.

Advantage Rent A Car may have closed

While the company has not released a statement, and franchised operations appear to still be open, it appears like a major car rental brand has begun shutting down. 

“Advantage Rent A Car appears to be shutting down. The Las Vegas location apparently closed last week. Their flagship headquarters Orlando airport location closed yesterday. Franchise locations appear to still be open. A Dallas off-airport location also shows closed, and I’m hearing Denver as well,” View From the Wing’s Gary Leff reported.  

Leff got his information from Jonathan of Autoslash “which is both a great source of absolute best deals on car rentals and awareness for what’s going on in the industry,” he wrote.  

Calls to multiple Advantage Rent A Car locations were answered by machines and it was not possible to get a human on the phone.

Advantage is still taking reservations its website. The company makes no mention of its apparent shutdown. It does share its rental car pledge:

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“We are happy to offer free changes to your reservations to better accommodate your travel schedules or any interruptions in your trip. If you have to cancel your reservation, please contact our support center and we would be happy to cancel your reservation without any additional fees,” it posted.

This would be a fourth Advantage Rent A. Car bankruptcy

Advantage did not return an email from TheStreet asking for clarity on its operations. The company has not posted on its Facebook page since late April.

Reviews for the brand on Yelp for the Orlando location are scathing and the company has a 1 1/2 out of 5 star overall rating out of 324 reviews.

“I really regret not reading the reviews before booking with this company. I made a last-minute reservation and didn’t do my research–big mistake. Do not rent from here. You have to take a shuttle to a remote location, and the price you see online is completely misleading. I booked a car for three days at $70, but after all the hidden fees and surprise charges, I ended up paying $210,” Kierstin K, wrote.

Nalini P also gave the company a 1-star review.

“DO NOT rent from this company. I had a reservation, my flight was delayed i contacted Advantage and I was told my reservation was cancelled because i will not be at the time for when I booked it for pick up. I told them not to cancel I do need the rental.” they wrote. 

The reviewer was angry about the situation and does not believe any other company would have operated this way.

Related: Southwest Airlines breaks silence on Companion Pass disappearing

“Any other rental will hold your car or call you. I had control over flight…I ended up paying over $500. extra for this vehicle because according to them my reservation was canceled cause i did not come at the time of booking so i have to pay the rate that was given to me at that time i arrived at the car rental.”

Leff was not able to find any evidence of a new bankruptcy filing. 

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A local taproom or brewery becomes a beloved part of the community.

That’s actually somewhat rare in the United States where we don’t have a tradition of village pubs. There are some bars that fill that role becoming someplace where friends and neighbors come together.

Related: New class action suit claims Costco is tricking you on prices

A really good neighborhood bar becomes a place where people bring their families, fall in love, and celebrate life’s big moments. 

When a community loses that, it can be devastating. It’s very hard to replace a bar, or pub that has become a de facto community center. 

Real life may not have bars like “Cheers,” but a good neighborhood tavern becomes a place where everybody knows your name. Losing that means more than when another Hooters or TGI Fridays closes.

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Sure, everyone has their favorite place and the loss of any popular business can be a blow, but local pubs build connections with and between passengers unlike any other kind of business. It’s just different to be a regular at one of these local businesses than to be known by the bartender at Chilis. 

The post-Covid period has been dark for local breweries, taprooms, and pubs, and that devastation has continued.

Big Storm Brewing caught in a storm

When many businesses close or file for bankruptcy, it’s solely on the merits of the business. That’s not the case for Big Storm Brewing, which has been pulled down due to the financial woes of Boston Finance Group, which is owned by Big Storm partner Leo Govoni. 

A 2024 lawsuit alleged from 2009 to 2020, Govoni misappropriated over $100 million from special needs trusts, which are specialized irrevocable trusts established for the elderly and people with disabilities.

That does not directly speak to the operations of the brewery and distillery which have a long history (at least by the standards of local breweries). 

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“Founded in 2012, Big Storm Brewing Co. has embraced our tagline of ‘Florida Craft Beer Forecast’ by developing a dynamic lineup of Florida favorites like Tropic Pressure Golden Ale, steeped with hibiscus flowers, and Bromosa Tangerine IPA, brewed with all-natural tangerine puree,” the company shared on its website.

Big Storm also added a distillery to complement its regionally-sold beers, and to sell in its multiple taprooms. 

“In 2020, Big Storm Distillery was born with a mission to create world-class spirits with a local flair. Our Big Storm team are innovators at heart, always pushing boundaries, and not afraid to take risks. With a commitment to exceptional customer service, dedication to quality products, and the ambition to explore opportunities left unexplored, Big Storm has become a leader in the craft beer industry and beyond,” the company added. 

Big Storm assets added to Bankruptcy

While the fate of Big Storm had been unclear, its assets were transferred to a bankruptcy trustee by a federal bankruptcy court on June 5. That took control away from Govoni and put it in the hands of the trustee.

Judge Roberta Colton found Govoni and Boston Financial Group liable for the missing $100 million as well as $20 million in interest.

Big Storm has not closed its Clearwater, Fla taproom and its fate remains unclear.  

The court’s actions put Big Storm Brewing under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but under control of a trustee and not Govoni.

The court could decide that the company has more value as a going concern than it does being sold off for parts. If that proves true, then it’s more likely to be sold to an operator that wants to keep producing its beers and spirits. 

Related: Huge music retail chain closes all stores after ‘bankruptcy’

Big Storm has been very clear in its mission.

“We’re here to offer more than just a drink; we’re sharing a slice of the Florida lifestyle with you, wherever you might be. Our mission? To transform each sip into a sun-drenched experience, a celebration of Floridian culture and zest. Our creations aren’t just products; they’re invitations to embrace the laid-back, sunny essence of Florida,” it posted on its website.

Big Storm’s operations have continued and it still sells beer and spirits regionally and locally. It’s likely to continue operating as long as it’s seen as a positive to the estate. 

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