Month: September 2025

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps (Homecoming 250®) is honored to announce Exiger,the market-leading supply chain AI company and largest provider of supply chain technology to the U.S. Federal Government, as the presenting sponsor of the upcoming Navy 250 Gala on October 11. The gala is one of several dynamic events hosted by Homecoming 250 during the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration, honoring 250 years of service, sacrifice, and tradition of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

The Navy 250 Gala will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, at the National Constitutional Center, overlooking historic Independence Hall, where the Navy was born. The ticketed event, hosted by ESPN National Correspondent and Navy Veteran Sal Paolantonio, will feature remarks from distinguished Naval leadership, performances by the U.S. Navy Band, and special tributes as attendees raise a toast to the 250th birthday of the United States Navy.

“Homecoming 250 is more than a commemoration; it’s a living reminder that America’s strength comes from the courage of those who serve and the communities that rally behind them,” said Exiger CEO Brandon Daniels. “In celebrating the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, we’re reminded that resilience and innovation are not abstract ideals; they are choices made every day in the face of risk. Exiger is proud to serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the Navy 250 Gala, and to sponsor Homecoming 250 along with the broader events honoring America’s Semiquincentennial. Institutions like the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps reflect our own mission and aspirations: honoring sacrifice, building resilience, and ensuring that America and its allies remain strong for the next 250 years.”

“This partnership with Exiger underscores the importance of innovation, resilience, and service—the very values we honor in the Navy and Marine Corps,” said George Leone, President of Homecoming 250. “With Exiger’s support, the Navy 250 Gala will not only pay tribute to 250 years of sacrifice and tradition, but also remind us of what unites us as a nation: the strength of our communities, the courage of those who serve, and Philadelphia’s enduring place in America’s maritime story.”

As the world’s leading provider of AI-powered supply chain management software, Exiger is dedicated to securing the supply chains that underpin America’s economy and national security, a mission that closely aligns with the values of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The company has been a prominent voice in defense and maritime policy, contributing thought leadership in trade publications and championing strategies to revitalize American shipbuilding. Reflecting this commitment, Exiger recently became a Lead Partner of Navy Athletics. Exiger’s mission is also deeply shaped by the service of veterans within its leadership ranks. SVP and Chief of Staff Amber Elliott and Senior Director of Advanced Systems Clinton West both served in the U.S. Navy. At the same time, SVP of Government Success Theresa Campobasso is a former Marine Corps Intelligence Officer. Their expertise and commitment help guide Exiger’s work at the critical intersection of innovation, defense, and national security.

Taking place from October 9 to 16, with additional events continuing on November 10, the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration serves as the Semiquincentennial’s largest tribute to military and Veterans, drawing visitors from across the country to experience Philadelphia’s historic role in shaping America’s legacy. Highlights include tours of active-duty and historic Navy and Coast Guard ships, a star-studded Victory at Sea concert, a community-wide All Veterans Reunion Picnic, a patriotic Navy & Marine Corps 250 Parade, and a centennial Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

To learn more about the Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration and plan your stay, visit homecoming250.org.

About Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps®
Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps in their birthplace – Philadelphia and the Delaware River – as a grand opening event of the Semiquincentennial of the United States. For the Navy 250th, Homecoming 250 plans to assemble for touring ships from both historical and current. For the Marine Corps 250th, Homecoming 250 plans to host the 100th Marine Corps Ball, where the 1st Ball was held, and celebrate at the site of Tun Tavern, the birthplace of the Marines. Homecoming 250 is bringing these celebrations to Philadelphia, Camden, and the Delaware River to support our military, salute our Veterans, and educate the public about the role of the Navy and Marines to defend America and freedom. www.homecoming250.org. 

About Exiger
Exiger transforms supply chain management from a complex challenge into a strategic advantage—driving savings and operational excellence in today’s volatile market. Our single, intuitive 1Exiger platform provides instant visibility into vast supplier ecosystems through a single pane of glass. Leveraging proprietary data and advanced agentic AI, 1Exiger proactively surfaces risks, automates compliance, accelerates procurement, and reveals opportunities to gain efficiencies and reduce costs to strengthen long-term resilience. With a mission to make the world a safe and transparent place to succeed, Exiger empowers 550+ global customers, including 150 Fortune 500 and 60+ government and Defense Industrial Base organizations, with supply chain AI. Exiger is FedRAMP® authorized and the largest provider of supply chain technology to the U.S. Federal Government. Named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Supplier Risk Management, twice selected as one of Fast Company’s ‘Brands That Matter,’ and recipient of the Third Party Risk Association’s Innovator Award, Exiger’s technology has been recognized by leading analyst evaluations and 50+ awards. Learn more at Exiger.com.

For more information, please contact:
Kody Gurfein
Chief Marketing Officer
1.914.393.0398
kgurfein@exiger.com 

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SOURCE Exiger

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The United Nations Global Compact wrapped its 2025 Leaders Summit today, convening business, Government and civil society to accelerate credible action on the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a pivotal 25-year milestone for the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. The Summit took place during High-level Week of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA80) with programming centered on practical tools, networking and peer learning as part of the activities of UN Global Compact Hub, a dedicated space for participant-only events and networking.

This year’s Summit featured opening reflections on “25 Years of the UN Global Compact,” followed by plenaries and hands-on breakout sessions spanning sustainable finance, next-generation sustainability reporting and the business case for resilience and growth in uncertain markets. The day closed with remarks from UN Global Compact CEO and Executive Director Sanda Ojiambo and a keynote from actor and author Rainn Wilson.

Among highlighted speakers were leaders from IKEA (Ingka Group), the Global Reporting Initiative, L’Oréal Group, Fujitsu, City Developments, Acciona, Novonesis, Schneider Electric, Neoenergia, Tesco, Singaland Asetama, Hermes and others — underscoring the breadth of sectors engaged in translating principles into performance.

Highlights of Leaders Summit 2025 included a dedicated session examining how companies can use converging standards and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) to turn sustainability reporting into decision-useful insights; dialogues exploring innovations in sustainable finance to crowd in private capital at scale; sessions on “selling sustainability” focused on credible KPIs and an SDG Innovation pitch showcasing solutions from companies across regions and sectors.

Commenting on the day, Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, said: “Twenty-five years on, the UN Global Compact remains a trusted bridge between business and the United Nations. This year’s Leaders Summit was designed to help companies move from commitment to concrete results — faster. At the UN Global Compact we equip our participants with clearer pathways, mobilize coalitions to remove system-level barriers, and show — through data and real-world examples — how responsible business delivers value for people, the planet and performance.”

The Leaders Summit 2025 was held following a board meeting of the UN Global Compact, chaired by the UN Secretary-General, in which its 2026-2030 strategy was approved, charting the next phase of the initiative’s evolution — prioritizing three shifts: equipping companies with a tailored, digitally enabled learning journey (including a modernized Communication on Progress); catalyzing collective action across four impact areas (climate & nature, decent work & living wages, gender equality and sustainable finance); and strengthening the evidence base through platforms such as the Forward Faster Initiative and the CFO Coalition for the SDGs — delivered through Regional Hubs and Country Networks to convert the Ten Principles into comparable, credible results by 2030.

Notes to Editors

About the UN Global Compact
The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 64 Country Networks covering 85 countries and 9 Country Managers establishing Networks in 16 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative — one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org.

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SOURCE United Nations Global Compact

ATLANTA, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Georgia Power has announced the open comment period for its 2025 Request for Proposals (RFP) for Energy Storage System (ESS) resources. Approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) as a part of the company’s 2022 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), this RFP provides a competitive solicitation for Georgia Power to procure 500 MW of ESS. The company prefers the procured resources to be online by no later than the end of 2031.

The RFP, administered by independent evaluator Ascend Analytics on behalf of Georgia Power, will solicit:

• Standalone ESS with grid charging capability; and
• ESS with Renewable Resource (new or existing) and grid charging capability

The procurement target capacity is 500 megawatts (MW), with a required storage discharge duration of at least two hours. 

Interested participants are required to register through the Ascend Analytics Power Procurement platform where they will be invited to attend an RFP Bidder’s Conference, either in person or via a virtual option, on Sept. 29, 2025. Participants should visit the independent evaluator website for additional details of the RFP and Solicitation Schedule.

All proposals and communication must be submitted through the Ascend Analytics Power Procurement platform. Georgia Power will not accept submissions or inquiries by phone, email or mail for the program.

To learn more about how Georgia Power is meeting the needs of customers through a diverse, balanced energy portfolio and the IRP process, visit GeorgiaPower.com.

About Georgia Power 
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company’s promise to 2.8 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power offers rates below the national average, focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

About Ascend Analytics
Ascend Analytics is the leading provider of market intelligence and analytics solutions for the power industry. The company’s offerings enable decision makers in power supply, procurement, and investment markets to plan, operate, monetize, and manage risk for renewable energy and storage assets. From real-time to 30-year horizons, their forecasts and insights are at the foundation of over $50 billion in project financing assessments. Ascend provides energy market stakeholders with the clarity and confidence to successfully navigate the rapidly shifting energy landscape.

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SOURCE Georgia Power

FREDERICK, Md., Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sophie and Madigan’s Playground is honored to announce a generous $4,000 donation from the William E. Cross Foundation. This gift continues a longstanding tradition of giving that began in 2013, with the Foundation’s total support now reaching $59,000.

The William E. Cross Foundation has been a steadfast partner in helping bring to life Sophie and Madigan’s Playground — a one-of-a-kind, inclusive space designed to celebrate Sophie and Madigan’s unique personalities and to help families of every ability play, learn, and create lifelong memories together. Their ongoing commitment reflects not only a belief in the mission of the playground but also a deep investment in creating lasting opportunities for children and families in Frederick and beyond.

“Thanks to the William E. Cross Foundation’s incredible generosity over more than a decade, we are able to continue to honor our girls and our mission creating opportunities for all families to play learn and create lifelong memories.” said Chrissi Lillard, co-founder of Sophie and Madigan’s Playground.

Sophie and Madigan’s Playground is in the final stretch of fundraising for the third and final phase, themed “Off to Neverland,” which will expand the playground with even more inclusive features and imaginative design elements, ensuring children of all abilities can share in the magic.

For more information about Sophie and Madigan’s Playground or to join the effort, please visit sophieandmadigansplayground.com.

Our Mission 
To honor the lives of Sophie and Madigan Lillard by building a memorial playground and providing opportunities for children and their families to play, learn, and create lifelong memories together, and in ways that reflect the beautiful personalities and spirits of these two sisters.

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SOURCE Sophie and Madigan’s Playground

FREDERICK, Md., Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sophie and Madigan’s Playground is honored to announce a generous $4,000 donation from the William E. Cross Foundation. This gift continues a longstanding tradition of giving that began in 2013, with the Foundation’s total support now reaching $59,000.

The William E. Cross Foundation has been a steadfast partner in helping bring to life Sophie and Madigan’s Playground — a one-of-a-kind, inclusive space designed to celebrate Sophie and Madigan’s unique personalities and to help families of every ability play, learn, and create lifelong memories together. Their ongoing commitment reflects not only a belief in the mission of the playground but also a deep investment in creating lasting opportunities for children and families in Frederick and beyond.

“Thanks to the William E. Cross Foundation’s incredible generosity over more than a decade, we are able to continue to honor our girls and our mission creating opportunities for all families to play learn and create lifelong memories.” said Chrissi Lillard, co-founder of Sophie and Madigan’s Playground.

Sophie and Madigan’s Playground is in the final stretch of fundraising for the third and final phase, themed “Off to Neverland,” which will expand the playground with even more inclusive features and imaginative design elements, ensuring children of all abilities can share in the magic.

For more information about Sophie and Madigan’s Playground or to join the effort, please visit sophieandmadigansplayground.com.

Our Mission 
To honor the lives of Sophie and Madigan Lillard by building a memorial playground and providing opportunities for children and their families to play, learn, and create lifelong memories together, and in ways that reflect the beautiful personalities and spirits of these two sisters.

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SOURCE Sophie and Madigan’s Playground

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a groundbreaking decision, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan has denied the federal government’s motion for summary judgment seeking dismissal of claims brought by Flint children and families under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The Court held that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can and must be held accountable for its negligence during the Flint Water Crisis. Napoli Shkolnik represents Flint families in this litigation.

The Court found that there is sufficient evidence to hold the government liable under the Good Samaritan doctrine, which holds that an entity is responsible for harm caused by its negligent actions, even if those actions were undertaken voluntarily. This ruling is a crucial step forward for the residents of Flint seeking justice and accountability.

The Court’s opinion highlighted the EPA’s failure to effectively utilize its authority under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to intervene and protect Flint residents, despite having knowledge of the severe risks posed by the contaminated water. Judge Parker’s decision underscored the EPA’s negligent undertakings, including its failure to properly oversee the water system, communicate clearly and effectively with state officials and residents and act in a timely manner to address the growing public health crisis. This ruling reaffirms the principle that the government can be held accountable for its actions and inactions when they result in harm to the public. It paves the way for the plaintiffs to continue their pursuit of justice and fair compensation for the injuries and damages suffered.

“This ruling is a major victory in the fight for justice for Flint’s children and families,” said Paul J. Napoli, partner at Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, who represents the Burgess family and other Flint plaintiffs. “For too long, the government has tried to evade responsibility for turning a blind eye to poisoned water flowing into homes, schools and businesses. Today, the Court reaffirmed that no one, not even the federal government, is above the law when it comes to protecting the health and lives of American families.”

The Court rejected the U.S. government’s arguments that it was immune from suit under technical FTCA exceptions, ruling instead that the EPA undertook clear responsibilities to oversee water safety in Flint and failed those duties, with devastating consequences. This decision ensures that Flint residents will have their day in court to hold the government accountable for the catastrophic failures that sickened thousands, especially children.

“This case is about more than Flint, it is about ensuring federal agencies cannot abandon communities in crisis without consequence,” Napoli added. “The people of Flint have waited over a decade for accountability. This decision puts us one step closer to delivering justice, truth and compensation for the victims of this man-made disaster.”

About Napoli Shkolnik PLLC
Napoli Shkolnik is a leading national plaintiffs’ law firm, representing communities and individuals across the country in high-stakes litigation involving environmental contamination, public health crises, and corporate misconduct. The firm has played a central role in landmark cases including the Flint Water Crisis, PFAS “forever chemicals” litigation, the nationwide opioid epidemic, and 9/11 first responder claims.

Media Contact:
PANBlast for Napoli Shkolnik
napoli@panblastpr.com

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SOURCE Napoli Shkolnik

21 N.J. food banks and pantries benefit from $2.5 million six-state program

HOLMDEL, N.J., Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The FirstEnergy Foundation is supporting local communities as part of its Hunger Action Month initiative – awarding $600,000 in grants to 21 New Jersey food banks and pantries. In total, the initiative is granting $2.5 million to 104 hunger relief organizations across New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia, marking the Foundation’s largest hunger-relief investment to date.

The foundation’s grants will provide approximately two million meals to families in communities served by Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L).

Tackling A Growing Hunger Epidemic

Food insecurity is a growing crisis across the U.S., according to Feeding America and the USDA. Over one million people – 11.7% of the population – in New Jersey face food insecurity due to rising prices, climate-related disruptions and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s President of New Jersey: “The FirstEnergy Foundation is serving up can-do energy – collaborating with vital local organizations to reduce hunger and increase the availability of healthy, nutritious meals during Hunger Action Month. Food means more than just nourishment – it’s a source of comfort that brings people together and strengthens bonds with a community. Our JCP&L employees are helping fight hunger year-round by volunteering and hosting food drives, reinforcing the importance of that connection.”

Feeding the Community

Foodbanks receiving grants include:

• Bradley Food Pantry (Neptune City, Monmouth County) – $15,000.
• Catholic Charities’ Hope House (Dover, Morris County) – $15,000.
• Community Foodbank of N.J. (Hillside, Union County) – $25,000.
• Community of Hope Ministries/Churches United for People (Spotswood, Middlesex County) – $10,000.
• Dermer Dreams (Fair Haven, Monmouth County) – $2,500.
• Feeding Middlesex County (Edison, Middlesex County) – $15,000.
• Foodbank Network of Somerset County (Bound Brook, Somerset County) – $25,000.
• Fulfill (Neptune, Monmouth County) – $75,000.
• Hands of Hope (Edison, Middlesex County) – $15,000.
• Interfaith Food Pantry Network (Morris Plains, Morris County) – $75,000.
• Jersey Shore Dream Center (Neptune City, Monmouth County) – $15,000.
• JFCSMC Nourish Pantry (Asbury Park, Monmouth County) – $7,500.
• Lacey Township Food Bank (Forked River, Ocean County) – $15,000.
• Lunch Break (Red Bank, Monmouth County) – $50,000.
• Mercy Center (Asbury Park, Monmouth County) – $50,000.
• NORWESCAP (Phillipsburg, Warren County) – $75,000.
• Project Self-Sufficiency (Newton, Sussex County) – $10,000.
• Rise (Hightstown, Monmouth County) – $50,000.
• Somebody C.A.R.E.S. Inc., Home to the Joel E. Perlmutter Memorial Food Pantry (Whiting, Ocean County) – $10,000.
• Spring Street Community Development (Morristown, Morris County) – $20,000.
• Trinity Center for the Community (Asbury Park, Monmouth County) – $25,000

Volunteering to Combat Hunger

In addition to grant funding, FirstEnergy demonstrates its commitment to community support by empowering employees with dedicated volunteer time-off (VTO) hours. This initiative enables JCP&L employees to provide hands-on, boots-on-the-ground assistance to local nonprofits. In 2024 alone, FirstEnergy employees contributed more than 26,000 volunteer hours across the company’s service territory – supporting causes such as local food banks, pantries and other vital community organizations.

History of Support

The FirstEnergy Foundation and FirstEnergy employees have been fighting food insecurity for over two decades. Since 2021, FirstEnergy employees have donated $650,000 directly to organizations focused on fighting hunger and improving nutrition. Nearly $7 million has been raised by employees over the past 23 years through the annual Harvest for Hunger campaign.

Last year, the FirstEnergy Foundation donated nearly $800,000 to hunger-related initiatives. 

How to Apply for a FirstEnergy Foundation Grant in New Jersey 

The FirstEnergy Foundation provides support to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits that serve and meet the critical needs of our customers in communities served by JCP&L and FirstEnergy’s electric operating companies and in areas where the company conducts business. Combined with the Hunger Action Month grants, the foundation has distributed more than $4 million in community support across FirstEnergy’s service area to date in 2025.

The FirstEnergy Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. To inquire about grant opportunities, contact Alix Hayes, Community Involvement Consultant at ahayes@firstenergycorp.com.

JCP&L serves 1.2 million customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren. Follow JCP&L on X @JCP_L, on Facebook at facebook.com/JCPandL or online at jcp-l.com.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on X @FirstEnergyCorp or online at firstenergycorp.com.

Editor’s Note: Photos of JCP&L employees volunteering at recipient food banks and of organizations receiving their grants can be viewed/downloaded on FirstEnergy’s Flickr channel. 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.