Month: September 2025

CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Protege Project, a leading Chicago-based nonprofit focused on youth empowerment and violence prevention, has been awarded a $199,712 grant through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority’s Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (CB-VIP).

This funding will support Pathways to Peace & Prosperity, a comprehensive initiative serving youth ages 14 to 24 in five South Side communities: Auburn Gresham, Greater Grand Crossing, Chatham, Brainerd, and Riverdale. The program focuses on reducing violence and expanding opportunities through mentorship, workforce development, conflict resolution, mental health support, and trauma-informed care.

“This investment is transformative for the young people we serve,” said Kewana Reese, Founder and Executive Director of The Protege Project. “With ICJIA’s support, we can expand our reach, build safer communities, and provide youth with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”

The Pathways to Peace & Prosperity program connects participants with credible mentors, offers individualized case management, and provides hands-on workforce and entrepreneurship training. It also integrates restorative justice workshops, mental health services, and community-based pop-up events to make resources more accessible where youth live and gather.

The Protege Project has a proven record of impact, including a 90% reduction in violent incidents among participants and a 75% employment rate within six months of program completion.

For more information about The Protege Project or to get involved, visit www.theprotegeprojectnfp.org or contact info@theprotegeprojectnfp.org | 708-991-7458.

About The Protege Project
The Protege Project is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to equipping youth with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed to succeed. Through trauma-informed programs, workforce development, and community engagement, the organization empowers youth to disrupt cycles of poverty and violence while creating pathways to lasting success.

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SOURCE The Protege Project NFP

The reenactment will retrace the original route of the Andrews’ Raid—an audacious mission on April 12, 1862, that ultimately led to our country’s first Medals of Honor awarded on March 25, 1863

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — To officially kick-off the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration in Chattanooga, the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, in partnership with CSX, will bring history to life with the first ever immersive reenactment of The Great Locomotive Chase on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. This once-in-a-lifetime event–which is sponsored by the Gary W. Rollins Foundation–will have nearly 20 Medal of Honor Recipients and other invited guests on a special CSX train as they travel on the famed Western and Atlantic Railroad (W&A) line from Atlanta to Chattanooga to attend the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration.

“Having today’s Medal of Honor Recipients retrace the same route as the very first Recipients brings this history to life in a remarkable way,” said Chad Graham, Executive Director of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “This reenactment is a living example of our mission to honor the sacrifice and inspire the future, linking the courage of the past to the voices of today’s Recipients as they share the values of the Medal with generations to come.”

In partnership with the Atlanta History Center, the Southern Museum and the City of Ringgold, Georgia, the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration is honored to host this immersive, living-history experience that will retrace the daring path of the Andrews’ Raid, more popularly known as the Great Locomotive Chase. On April 12, 1862, civilian scout James J. Andrews, along with one civilian accomplice and 22 Union volunteers from three Ohio infantry regiments, masqueraded in civilian attire to covertly board a train–the General–at Marietta, Georgia. Their mission: seize the locomotive the General near Big Shanty (present-day Kennesaw), then steam north toward Chattanooga, systematically sabotaging railroad tracks, bridges and telegraph lines to disrupt Confederate supply routes.

“This reenactment is more than a commemoration – it’s a living tribute to the courage, and commitment of the first Medal of Honor Recipients,” said Tom Mundell, President & CEO of the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. “We are grateful to our partners and sponsors, especially CSX, for helping us preserve this historic Medal of Honor action and historical event in such a powerful and immersive way.”

Why It Matters?

The Great Locomotive Chase is more than a Civil War story – it’s a defining moment in American military history and established Chattanooga as the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor.  The audacious raid, spanning roughly 87 miles over seven hours, evoked an epic chase. Pursued relentlessly by Confederate conductor William Fuller—who switched between several chasing locomotives including the Texas, which is now located at the Atlanta History Center. The Raiders’ plans unraveled when the General – which is now located at the Southern Museum – ran out of steam just outside of Chattanooga near Ringgold, Georgia. The men scattered but were eventually captured. Eight of the captured participants—including James J. Andrews and seven others—were tried as spies and executed in Atlanta and later reinterned in Chattanooga at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. The rest endured imprisonment: some escaped, while others were later released in a prisoner exchange.

Despite its tactical failure, the raid left an enduring legacy: six of the raiders received the very first Medals of Honor on March 25, 1863, and over time, 21 of the 24 participants would be awarded the Medal of Honor—including two (Privates Philip G. Shadrach and George D. Wilson) who were posthumously recognized on July 3, 2024 by President Joe Biden.

“The Great Locomotive Chase isn’t just another Civil War story – it’s the birth of the Medal of Honor story,” said General B.B. Bell, U.S. Army, Retired. “By retracing this route, we honor the extraordinary bravery of those who risked everything for a cause greater than themselves, and we ensure their legacy continues to inspire future generations.”

Bell continued, “This mission created a historic milestone in our nation’s military history – one that also laid the foundation for Chattanooga’s heritage as the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor. By reenacting this mission as part of the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration, we are honoring these 24 men who courage, sacrifice and commitment on April 12, 1863, played a critical role in bringing the Civil War to an end and saving our great nation and the freedoms we all enjoy today.”

The Great Locomotive Chase Reenactment – September 30, 2025
This historic event will be recreated with an opening breakfast at the Atlanta History Center, where Medal of Honor Recipients, community, and civic leaders will learn more about the Great Locomotive Chase before heading to the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History for a lunch program.

The Medal of Honor Recipients and invited guests will then board the CSX train for the re-enactment journey. The event will conclude with a brief reception at the Historic Ringgold Depot Center.

The public is invited to wave the train along its route from Kennesaw to Ringgold.

Media credentialing is limited. For inquiries about participating in the reenactment or other media opportunities during the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration week, please email moh@waterhousepr.com.

The 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration

This fall, Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor, will welcome all of our nation’s living Medal of Honor Recipients for a week of remembrance, celebration, and community engagement. Presented by Textile Rubber & Chemical Company, the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration will take place September 29 – October 4, featuring a variety of public and private events across the region. The week will conclude with the Patriot Awards Gala on Saturday, October 4, at the Chattanooga Convention Center, where four remarkable Americans will be honored for exemplifying the Medal of Honor’s values.

The 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration is also sponsored by the Gary W. Rollins Foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, American Airlines, CSX, the Robert Irvine Foundation, the Jack and Charlotte Frost Family Foundation, the Frank P. Pierce Foundation, Unum, Texas A&M University, AM General, Decosimo Family Partners, Erlanger Hospital, Fed-Ex, Food City, Miller Industries, Realized Solutions, Tennessee Valley Authority, the Kennedy Family Foundation and PenFed Foundation For Military Heroes and The Raines Group.

To learn more about the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Vince Butler at (423) 877-2525 or vince@MOHHC.org. 

Link to video about the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration

About the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center
The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center is situated in the heart of the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor—Chattanooga, Tennessee. The 19,500 square-foot facility is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Medal of Honor and sharing the incredible stories of Medal of Honor Recipients through immersive exhibits and educational programming. Through this mission, the Heritage Center strives to educate future generations about the six character traits embodied by the Medal of Honor and its Recipients–Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice and Commitment—and inspire the leaders of tomorrow to embody these traits in their daily actions to make a difference in their community and world. Learn more at www.MOHHC.org.

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor (the United States’ highest award for military valor in action) and its Recipients, inspiring Americans to live the values the Medal represents, and supporting Recipients as they connect with communities across America. Chartered by Congress in 1958, the Society’s membership consists exclusively of those individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. The Society carries out its mission through outreach, education, and preservation programs, including the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, Citizen Honors Awards, and The Medal of Honor Museum. As part of Public Law 106-83, the Medal of Honor Memorial Act, The Medal of Honor Museum, which is co-located with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s headquarters on board the U.S.S. Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, was designated as one of three national Medal of Honor sites. The Society’s programs and operations are fully funded by generous donors. Learn more about the Medal of Honor and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s initiatives at cmohs.org.

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SOURCE Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sigenergy, a leading energy innovator, will showcase its comprehensive lineup of cutting-edge energy solutions at Intersolar South America, Booth W1.30. With an expanded and versatile product range designed for both residential and commercial & industrial (C&I) applications, the company aims to empower Latin America to strengthen grid resilience and accelerate the transition toward energy independence.

C&I Energy Solutions

Sigenergy will introduce its advanced C&I inverter portfolio to the Latin American market, covering PV, HYA, and HYB models with power ratings ranging from 50 kW up to 125 kW. Among them, the HYB model features seamless on/off-grid switching, with support for capacities of up to 110 kW. Up to three inverters can be paralleled without requiring an additional energy gateway, enabling a direct and highly reliable off-grid transition.

Complementing the inverter portfolio, the SigenStack energy storage system delivers a scalable, high-density DC-coupled solution. Each battery module provides 12 kWh, and a single inverter can connect up to 21 modules, reaching 250 kWh of storage capacity. With optimized Round-Trip Efficiency (+2%), modular scalability, and simplified deployment, SigenStack helps businesses reduce costs, maximize energy utilization, and boost resilience.

Sigenergy also provides a range of Energy Gateways in various configurations, enabling seamless on/off-grid transition across different application scenarios.

Residential Energy Solutions

At the heart of Sigenergy’s residential portfolio is the SigenStor, the world’s first 5-in-1 energy system. Already a global success, SigenStor has been embraced by installers and homeowners worldwide. It integrates a PV inverter, battery, EV charger, EMS, and PCS into one compact and modular unit. Each battery comes in 5/6/8/9 kWh options, with up to six units stacked to provide more than 54 kWh per system. By connecting multiple systems in parallel, SigenStor can also scale to meet the needs of C&I projects.

Sigenergy also presents its second-generation hybrid inverter, designed for residential use. With a fanless design and a slim profile of only 99 mm, it achieves industry-leading efficiency of up to 99% on three-phase models. In off-grid mode, it delivers up to 200% peak output, while operating at ultra-low noise levels (below 25 dB). Battery-ready for future upgrades, the inverter reduces total ownership costs while ensuring long-term flexibility. With an IP66 rating and wide operating range (-30°C to 60°C), it delivers robust performance in diverse environments.

To further expand applications in Rapid Shutdown scenarios and the growing balcony PV segment, Sigenergy introduces the SigenMicro microinverter. Incorporating patented DAB topology, the industry’s first built-in EMS, and IP67 protection, it redefines safety and reliability. Its WLAN Mesh architecture extends communication coverage by 1600%, with self-healing capability within 150 ms if a connection is lost. Designed for high efficiency and simple deployment, SigenMicro enables full commissioning in just five minutes.

Visit Sigenergy at Booth W1.30 to explore how its next-generation energy solutions are shaping a smarter, greener future for Latin America.

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SOURCE Sigenergy Technology Co., Ltd.

NEA president: This technology will continue to fundamentally change the way we teach and learn

WASHINGTON, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NEA, the largest provider of education micro-credentials in the United States, announced on Wednesday that it has received an initial $325,000 grant from Microsoft Elevate to expand its ongoing efforts to support educators as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The partnership will also provide opportunities for educators to inform the development of Microsoft AI tools.

“Understanding AI goes far beyond tools and apps. This technology will continue to fundamentally change the way we teach and learn, and the ways we interact with the world and each other,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Our students and educators cannot be passive users; they must have agency with this technology and an appreciation for the uniquely human assets we bring to learning and to our professions.”

“Educators prepare every generation to meet the future — and today, they’re shaping how AI becomes a tool for confidence, creativity and critical thinking,” said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft. “Our partnership with NEA is rooted in a simple truth: Technology is only as valuable as the people empowered to use it. Through Microsoft Elevate, we’re investing in AI literacy and leadership, so educators and students stay at the center of AI in the classroom.”

Last year, NEA partnered with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to deliver an AI learning series that reached thousands of members. Building on that success, the new Microsoft grant will enable NEA to engage an additional 10,000 members with fresh content and micro-credentials, further strengthening the knowledge and fluency of both educators and leaders in this emerging field. The grant will also support a dedicated focus on policy and leadership development for NEA’s state affiliates.

“By preparing educators and leaders with the knowledge to lead and innovate educational practices and policies, and by providing avenues of practitioner input into the design of AI tools, we strive to ensure AI technologies are used in human-centered ways that promote equity, mitigate potential harms, and enrich both teaching and learning,” said Pringle.

Through this grant, NEA reaffirms its commitment to elevating professional excellence, amplifying educator voice, and guaranteeing that every student has access to safe, equitable and high-quality learning opportunities amid rapid technological change.

Last July, nearly 7,000 educator delegates gathered at the Philadelphia Convention Center for the National Education Association’s 103rd Representative Assembly (RA), where they approved a policy statement to address the emerging phenomenon of AI and its impact on public schools. 

At the heart of the new policy is the principle that the student-educator connection must always be the center of the teaching and learning experience and must play a significant role in every consequential education decision. 

“Decades of research tell us that student success relies on our ability to build healthy and effective relationships with students. Their sense of feeling supported and valued predicts their success and their love of learning,” said Pringle. “The work we will do together with Microsoft is intended to enhance — not diminish — that relationship by giving educators the tools and voice they need to use AI in ways that deepen learning, foster trust and keep students at the heart of everything we do.”

Read NEA’s full NEA’s full Policy Statement on AI in education.

Visit NEA AI hub page for guidance, tools and professional learning opportunities to help educators navigate the evolving role of artificial intelligence in schools and classrooms.

Follow us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/neapresident.bsky.social and https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social.

About The National Education Association

The National Education Association is the nation’s largest labor union, representing nearly 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

 

 

 

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SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

More than 7,000 technicians have registered for the Lennox Technical Support AI agent, saving valuable time in the field.

DALLAS, Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lennox (NYSE: LII), a leading provider of innovative climate control solutions, is accelerating its digital transformation through strategic investments in AI-powered tools designed to enhance the customer experience.

As part of this strategy, Lennox Residential HVAC has launched two AI agents: one tailored for HVAC technicians and dealers, and another designed for homeowners.

The Technical Support AI agent helps dealers and HVAC technicians troubleshoot, service, and repair Lennox equipment more efficiently. Trained on Lennox data and built with a conversational interface, the tool offers on-demand access to essential support functions including warranty lookups, repair parts finder, error code explanations, and step-by-step troubleshooting. It currently recognizes and interprets more than 250 error codes and provides guidance for common service issues.

Available in English, Spanish, and French through LennoxPros.com and accessible via SMS for registered users, the tool ensures immediate support is available even when internet access is limited.

“This investment is part of our digital transformation, which starts by addressing the needs of our customers,” said Lennox Chief Technology Officer Prakash Bedapudi. “The Technical Support AI agent gives dealers and technicians instant access to information that would otherwise require a call or a manual search, saving valuable time in the field. It is a meaningful step in our ongoing strategy to strengthen the overall customer experience.”

Designed to be the first stop for support in the field, the tool complements existing Lennox support services. Since its launch earlier this year, the Technical Support AI agent has logged over 15,000 sessions, with as many as 760 sessions occurring weekly. More than 7,000 technicians have registered for the tool providing positive session feedback 96 percent of the time. Built to learn and improve through usage and feedback, the agent will continue to evolve and improve with planned updates that expand its capabilities.

Lennox is also enhancing consumer support through a dedicated AI agent on Lennox.com. Designed for both desktop and mobile use and available in English, Spanish, and French, this tool helps homeowners find local Lennox dealers, register products, access warranty information, and troubleshoot Lennox smart thermostats. It allows homeowners to resolve basic support needs quickly and independently, streamlining access to essential information.

Through investments in AI-driven support solutions, Lennox is equipping its partners and customers with tools that improve service speed, reduce downtime, and enhance the customer experience.

ABOUT LENNOX

Lennox (NYSE: LII) is a leader in energy-efficient climate-control solutions. Dedicated to sustainability and creating comfortable and healthier environments for our residential and commercial customers while reducing their carbon footprint, we innovate with our cooling, heating, indoor air quality, and refrigeration systems. Additional information on Lennox is available at www.lennox.com.

Media Contact
pr@lennox.com

Investor Contact
investor@lennox.com

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SOURCE Lennox International Inc.

The company was recognized on the Consulting & Professional Services™ List, as well as for its growth and innovation in 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Barge Design Solutions (Barge), an engineering and architecture firm with diverse in-house multidisciplinary practice areas, has been named to the 2025 Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services™ list by Fortune and Great Place To Work®. This marks Barge’s first year on the list, reflecting the employee-owned firm’s ongoing commitment to creating a positive company culture rooted in shared purpose, vision, and values.

The ranking is based on nearly 149,000 employee survey responses from Great Place To Work Certified™ companies in the consulting and professional services industry. Earning a spot means that Barge is one of the country’s best companies to work for.

Barge has been Great Place to Work certified seven times, beginning in 2017, with 92% of employees agreeing that it’s a great place to work in the company’s most recent certification.

“It’s an honor to be included on this year’s Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services list,” said Carrie Stokes, CEO and President of Barge Design Solutions. “We strive to create an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to do their best work, making an impact for our clients and in our communities. At Barge, we are aligned on our future, providing opportunities for growth and supporting the whole person, working to meet their needs both inside and outside the office.”

With more than 650 employees and 70 years of experience shaping the spaces and infrastructure that impact everyday life, the Nashville-based company continues to build on its legacy of improving the lives of its people, clients, and communities through exceptional service, innovative solutions, and a culture of care.

Other recent accolades for the company include:

• Nashville Business Journal’s 2025 Fastest-Growing Companies: Ranked no. 14 on the inaugural list, recognizing rapid revenue growth among Middle Tennessee’s private companies. Barge’s expansion has included new regions, new services, and the acquisitions of Environmental Consulting & Design and Core Engineering Group in Florida, and Carlisle Associates Inc. in South Carolina, in the last few years, strengthening its capabilities in the environmental, transportation, and industrial sectors. The company has also grown its employee count by 60% since 2020 as a result of strategic acquisitions and enhanced recruitment practices to attract top talent.
• Forbes 50 Over 50 – Innovation: CEO Carrie Stokes was named to the 2025 list, honoring women over 50 making significant impacts in their fields. Stokes, who stepped into the CEO role in March 2025, was recognized for her leadership in driving Barge’s continued growth and for her vision and willingness to embrace new challenges and opportunities.

“I’m proud of what Barge has accomplished so far together,” Stokes added. “Our people make these achievements possible. Their drive to deliver great work for our clients, strengthen our communities, and support each other inspires me every day.” 

To learn more and stay updated about Barge Design Solutions, visit https://www.bargedesign.com/ 

About Barge Design Solutions 
Barge Design Solutions, Inc., is an engineering and architecture firm focused on improving the lives of its people, clients, and communities. With diverse, in-house, multidisciplinary practice areas, the 650+ person employee-owned company serves clients nationwide from multiple U.S. locations. Barge is ranked No. 160 on Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) 2025 Top 500 Design Firms list. Learn more at bargedesign.com and stay connected on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.

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SOURCE Barge Design Solutions