October 2025

PixVerse Joins UNU Global AI Network to Launch “AI for Good Academy”

Posted on October 30, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

SINGAPORE, Oct. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, the United Nations University Institute successfully hosted the Artificial Intelligence Conference. During the event, Generative AI video platform, PixVerse officially joined the United Nations University Global AI Network (UNU Global AI Network) and, together with the Network, launched the “AI for Good Academy.”

Founded in April 2024, the UNU Global AI Network has brought together more than 120 leading academic, industry, and policy institutions worldwide, promoting the application of AI technologies within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As the platform committed to lowering the barriers to video creation and promoting the inclusive development of AI technology, PixVerse has long upheld the principle of “AI for Good.” Through initiatives such as the AI for Good Challenge, PixVerse encourages global users to participate in meaningful, positive AI-driven content creation.

At the AI for Good Global Summit 2025, PixVerse showcased its innovative AI video platform, which empowers creators around the world. The platform was recognized in the “Innovate for Impact Use case” collection and selected as an Outstanding Case in the Productivity category.

PixVerse enables cinematic-quality video creation through simple text prompts or photo uploads—no prior expertise required. This innovation directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by enabling participation in the creator economy for individuals across different geographies, education levels, and income brackets. Currently, fewer than 10% of social media users in most countries actively create video content—a gap that PixVerse is helping to bridge.

Real-World Impact: From Hobbyists to Professionals

PixVerse’s inclusive power is evident in a variety of user success stories:

Brazilian creator @nerdsoul generated 210 million views and attracted 300,000 followers in just two months using PixVerse for character aging effects, later featured on Brazilian national TV.
Portuguese director João More (formerly a fashion professional) used PixVerse to create a 30-minute, fully AI-generated film, which was selected for the Fantasporto International Film Festival.
Ukrainian director Michael Heina produced a high-end perfume advertisement using the platform, showcasing its professional-grade capabilities.

PixVerse also launched the AI for Good Film Contest, inviting global users to create AI-generated videos centered on themes of kindness and positive impact. The contest attracted participants from across different countries and regions. One creator, a mother, used PixVerse to produce animated nursery rhyme videos such as “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Her creations, shared on YouTube and other social media platforms, have garnered over 5 million views. Within a month, the contest received numerous submissions covering themes such as women’s empowerment, animal rescue, and inclusive education.

In addition, PixVerse’s original template “Old Photo Revival” inspired users around the world to recreate and share heartwarming memories, sparking a cross-generational wave of AI-powered creativity.

PixVerse serves over 100 million users worldwide. By continuously encouraging responsible and benevolent AI creation within its global community, PixVerse is advancing AI for social good and creative.

PixVerse will leverage the AI for Good Academy within the UNU Global AI Network to deepen its creator programs, host AI for Good workshops, and organize creative challenges. Through these initiatives, PixVerse aims to build a global community of AI creators dedicated to “AI for Good,” sharing inspiring stories and empowering more people to realize and spread their ideas of kindness through AI.

About PixVerse: Launched in January 2024, PixVerse develops the world’s leading AI video generation models and applications. We empower next-generation video creation and consumption for the AGI era, democratizing AI video technology through intuitive effect templates that transform professional tools into platforms for mass creativity.

Contact for the press Enna Jin

media@pixverse.ai

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pixverse-joins-unu-global-ai-network-to-launch-ai-for-good-academy-302599380.html

SOURCE PixVerse

What We Learned (Or Didn’t) From Hurricane Katrina

Posted on October 30, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on TriplePundit

By Taylor Haelterman

This story about Hurricane Katrina is part of The Solutions Effect, a monthly newsletter covering the best of solutions journalism in the sustainability and social impact space. If you aren’t already getting this newsletter, you can sign up here.

Two decades ago, Americans were horrified by the response to Hurricane Katrina and the devastation it left behind. It was a wake-up call that rang around the nation, sounding the alarm that the current level of disaster preparedness was vastly inadequate. People across the country demanded action. Policies changed. Levees were rebuilt. Warning systems advanced. And we have not forgotten Katrina.

Still, 85 percent of Americans are familiar with the disaster, according to a USA Today poll. That includes 75 percent of those aged 18 to 34, some of whom were born after it occurred. As the country looks back at 2005, solutions journalists are investigating whether the changes we’ve made since are making an impact.

$14 billion levees

The failure of the city’s levee system led to much of the damage dealt by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Sections of the 125 miles of flood barricades built around the city by the United States Army Corps of Engineers were too small or erected with serious engineering mistakes. The levees failed in six places. Water rushed over the top or broke the walls entirely, igniting a humanitarian crisis.

Afterward, the U.S. government doubled down, footing a $14.4 billion bill to build a new network of levees across the city. Over the next 10 years, the Army Corps of Engineers constructed nearly 200 miles of flood barriers known as one of the most sophisticated systems across the globe, and it held during Hurricane Issac in 2012 and Hurricane Ida in 2021, Grist reports.

Still, experts worry the upgraded levees might not live up to the original promise to protect against a “hundred-year storm,” a term used to describe rare and powerful storms with a 1 percent chance of forming each year. Hurricane Katrina was widely considered a 100-year storm, and these events are growing more common. Dozens of hundred-year flooding events swept through communities across the United States last year alone. Hurricane Helene, which caused widespread damage across Florida and devastating floods in western North Carolina last year, and the catastrophic flooding in Texas this summer were considered once-in-1,000-year events.

Therein lies the problem for New Orleans’ levees. As the city slowly sinks, the Gulf of Mexico steadily rises, and storms become more severe, the barriers struggle to keep up — even after factoring in climate change and sea-level rise from the start. The Corps told Grist the levees will protect the city from 100-year storms through 2057 as long as it can afford to keep lifting them every few years. Though the New Orleans branch of the organization announced it didn’t have the funds to inspect them this year due to federal budget cuts, it later received funding from the St. Louis branch to do so. While imperfect, the system will still reduce the damage from more-than-100-year storms, and it demonstrates what can be done to get out in front of a disaster instead of acting afterward. Read more.

Earlier warnings

When Hurricane Katrina was first tracked, it was never expected to hit Louisiana or grow from Category 1 to Category 5 intensity. The devastation that followed left the country hyperaware of the gaps in our ability to forecast storms, and therefore, our ability to prepare for and respond to them. Since then, the systems for predicting the path and strength of a hurricane have improved dramatically, Science News reports.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) created the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program in response to Hurricane Katrina and other storms in 2004 and 2005. It brought together agencies and labs across the nation to make more accurate, reliable forecasts that give communities time to prepare. Now, scientists use satellites to observe weather data multiple times a day, and more powerful computers accompanied by a better understanding of the science behind storms allow for more accurate predictions. Researchers also collect and use real-time storm data, which helps anticipate rapid changes in direction and strength.

As a result, tracking errors have shrunk by about half — sometimes shrinking by well over 50 percent — even days in advance of a storm reaching land. That means storm path estimates are very unlikely to shift by 200 miles in just 12 hours, like they did in the case of Katrina. The Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program is still working toward even earlier forecasts, but federal funding and staff cuts currently leave much of its work uncertain. While a four-day warning doesn’t allow much time for damage prevention like raising New Orleans’ levees, it is enough time to take action that saves lives, like evacuations and delivering emergency generators to hospitals. Read more.

A federal law protecting pets

Millions of Americans have pets, and when disaster strikes, they’re often left with a horrible decision. First responders don’t always allow people to evacuate with their pets. Even if they do, many emergency shelters and hotels don’t allow pets. And Hurricane Katrina was no different, Atmos reports. Roughly a quarter of a million cats and dogs were displaced or died during the storm. While the vast majority of Americans plan to evacuate with their pets, many have had to leave them behind and return to the disaster site before it’s considered safe to try and rescue them. A 2015 study found that pets are the biggest reason people refuse evacuation orders.

That’s why the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 was passed. It ensures that state and local emergency managers include pets in emergency preparedness plans and federal agencies help pet owners and their pets. It also lets the federal government reimburse state and local governments for the cost of sheltering pets. “People consider their pets to be family,” Ashley Farmer, a pet disaster response researcher at Illinois State University, told Atmos. “If you include pets in disaster planning, you will ultimately also save human lives.”

Though experts say the act made an important impact, its implementation is left up to state and local governments. Some still essentially leave pets out of their emergency plans with statements like “people are responsible for their pets.” Read more.

Learning from emergency management mistakes

Emergency management and response failed in different areas at all levels of government during Katrina, Eric Kevin Stern, crisis and emergency management specialist and professor, argues in an article for The Conversation. Communication between agencies was ineffective. The state had to request a disaster declaration before the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) could move in. Evacuees were trapped in the Superdome with no power and few supplies, and people who couldn’t evacuate in time were stranded on their roofs.

In the aftermath, policies changed. The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 mandates that FEMA chief administrators have knowledge and experience in emergency management and leadership, something then-FEMA Administrator Michael Brown lacked. The National Incident Management System was widely adopted after the storm, allowing all levels of government, local organizations, and the private sector to communicate and work together, replacing the communication and coordination chaos that erupted when systems broke down after Katrina. FEMA was also permitted to start working before a storm arrives and before a disaster declaration is requested, so survivors aren’t left waiting for help, like when political tensions reportedly delayed former President George W. Bush’s approval of New Orleans’ request.

Today, the federal government is discussing reducing or dismantling FEMA, placing more emergency management responsibility on local and state governments instead. But states and cities vary in their readiness to do so, and experts warn many are simply unprepared and lack the necessary funds. If more responsibility is shifted to states, we must remember the lessons learned from Katrina and ensure they have the ability to effectively coordinate and respond to disasters, Stern concludes. Read more.

That message rings especially true as New Orleans continues to grapple with the social, economic, and environmental effects of the hurricane 20 years later.

Dive deeper into this solution:
After Katrina, green infrastructure aims to supplement the rebuilt — but still vulnerable — levees, Smart Cities Dive
One of Hurricane Katrina’s most important lessons isn’t about storm preparations – it’s about injustice, The Conversation
After Hurricane Katrina, moms built new lives by building homes, The 19th

Image credit: Jocelyn Augustino/Wikimedia Commons

ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc. Announces Share Combination

Posted on October 30, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

BEIJING, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: RETO) (“ReTo” or the “Company“) today announced that its board of directors approved a combination of its Class A shares, no par value (the “Class A Shares“) on a five-to-one basis (the “Share Combination“). The Class A Shares will begin trading on a post combination basis on November 3, 2025.

As a result of the Share Combination, each five (5) pre-combination Class A Shares will be automatically combined into one (1) Class A Share without any action on the part of the holders, with the number of issued and outstanding Class A Shares reduced from 7,327,491 to approximately 1,465,498. There will be no change to the par value of the Class A Shares, which will remain as no par value following the Share Combination. The Class A Shares will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq“) under the symbol “RETO” under a new CUSIP number – G75271133. The Share Combination is intended to increase the market price per share of the Class A Shares to allow the Company to maintain its Nasdaq listing.

No fractional shares will be issued as a result of the Share Combination. Shareholders who otherwise would be entitled to a fractional share because they hold a number of Class A Shares not evenly divisible by five will automatically be entitled to receive an additional share of the Class A Shares.

The Share Combination will not be submitted to a vote of the Company’s shareholders as shareholder approval is not required under the laws of the British Virgin Islands.

The Company’s transfer agent, VStock Transfer, LLC, will act as the exchange agent. Adjustments made to Class A shares represented by physical stock certificates can be made upon surrender of the certificate to the transfer agent. Please contact VStock Transfer, LLC for further information at (212) 828-8436.

About ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc.

Founded in 1999, ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc., through its operating subsidiaries in China, is engaged in the research and development, manufacture and sales of ecological environment protection equipment and intelligent equipment. The Company provides consultation, design, implementation and installation of its equipment and related parts, as well as engineering support and technical advice and services. For more information, please visit: http://en.retoeco.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. The Company’s actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties. For example, there can be no assurance that the Company will remain in compliance and maintain its listing on Nasdaq. The reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission discuss these and other important factors and risks that may affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial conditions. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

For more information, please contact:

ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc.
Tel: +86-010-64827328
Email: ir@retoeco.com or 310@reit.cc

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reto-eco-solutions-inc-announces-share-combination-302599183.html

SOURCE ReTo Eco-Solutions, Inc.

LG Energy Solution Releases 2025 Third-Quarter Financial Results

Posted on October 30, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

LG Energy Solution posts KRW 5.7 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 601.3 billion in operating profit in Q3 2025
The company secured 120GWh of order backlog for its ESS batteries and over 300GWh for its 46-Series cylindrical batteries
The company to further diversify its EV/ESS product portfolios to better meet customer needs

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) today announced its third-quarter earnings for 2025, posting a significant improvement in operating profit.

The company posted consolidated revenue of KRW 5.7 trillion, a 2.4 percent increase quarter-on-quarter. The operating profit reached KRW 601.3 billion, marking a 22.2 percent increase quarter-on-quarter, with an operating profit margin of 10.5 percent. The operating profit includes the North American production incentive, which is estimated at KRW 365.5 billion.

Despite weakened demand for EV pouch-type batteries after the expiration of the U.S. EV subsidy, third-quarter revenue rose slightly compared to the previous quarter, driven by increased ESS battery production at the Michigan facility and the launch of new models from EV (cylindrical batteries) and IT (pouch-type batteries) customers.

In terms of operating profit, although the North American production incentive has declined, the company still delivered a meaningful improvement, thanks to increased ESS battery production in the U.S., the start of mass production of new cylindrical batteries, and continued cost-reduction efforts.

In the third quarter, LG Energy Solution secured new contracts for both residential and grid-scale ESS projects, bringing its ESS battery order backlog to approximately 120GWh (as of the end of Q3 2025). By establishing production capacity in strategic regions, the company is reinforcing its ability to meet customer needs for supply chains without reliance on China.

The company has also successfully diversified the customer base for its cylindrical EV batteries by securing large-scale supply agreements. Specifically, it has won 107GWh in new contracts for its 46-Series cylindrical batteries, thereby reaffirming its local production capacity and competitive edge across its product portfolio. The order backlog for 46-Series cylindrical batteries exceeds 300GWh (as of the end of Q3 2025).

In North America, LG Energy Solution continued its efforts to ensure stable operations, advancing its plans to expand production scope at its joint venture facility with Stellantis in Canada. The plant, which currently manufactures battery modules, is now prepared to begin battery cell production, with discussions underway for a potential application beyond EVs.

A notable advancement in next-generation battery technology included the development of quick-charging capabilities for lithium metal batteries. Additionally, the company enhanced its local lithium supply chain in the U.S. through an offtake agreement securing up to 40,000 tons of lithium carbonate.

Looking ahead, LG Energy Solution anticipates a short-term slowdown in the U.S. EV demand following the expiration of EV subsidy and accordingly expects the sales of alternatives such as HEVs and EREVs to rise as automakers adjust their pace of electrification. The company predicts relatively stable growth in the European EV market, supported by the introduction of EV purchase subsidies and maintenance of CO₂ emissions regulation.

At the same time, the company expects strong growth in the U.S. ESS market, driven by the resolution of regulatory uncertainties and strong power demand from AI data centers. ESS demand in Europe is also expected to rise, as the share of renewable energy increases and countries intensify efforts to reduce reliance on the Chinese supply chain.

During its earnings conference, LG Energy Solution outlined its plans for navigating these market shifts. For its EV batteries, the company will continue to invest in diversifying form factors and chemistries to deliver products optimized for the specific needs of each market segment.

For the performance segment where power output and fast charging are key factors, the company will prioritize high-nickel NCMA^[1] pouch-type batteries and 46-Series cylindrical batteries, and for the standard segment, it will deliver high-voltage mid-nickel NCM^[2] batteries. For the affordable segment where price competitiveness is key, the company will deliver LFP^[3] pouch-type batteries scheduled for production later this year, with additional plans to apply dry electrode technology. It is also developing LMR^[4] prismatic batteries for mid-to-low end EV models, which will reinforce LG Energy Solution’s position as the only company capable of delivering all three form factors (pouch-type, cylindrical, prismatic) across diverse chemistries.

The company will also solidify its leadership in the ESS business by delivering a comprehensive ESS solution that integrates high-capacity cells with its advanced system integration (SI) capabilities. It is developing high-density long pouch-type batteries for ESS applications, focusing on enhancing energy capacity and lowering the cost per unit. The company also aims to introduce ESS LFP prismatic batteries by 2027.

In terms of operations, LG Energy Solution will maximize operational efficiency and capture the full potential of the ESS business by accelerating the transition of production capacity from EV to ESS, thereby enhancing its ESS supply capabilities. The company will also focus on optimizing asset utilization by minimizing capital expenditures and streamlining its operational asset structure. It will also improve its cost structure through AI-driven automation (AX) and digital transformation (DX) initiatives.

About LG Energy Solution

LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 80,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution’s ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.

^[1] NCMA: nickel, cobalt, manganese, aluminum

^[2] NCM: nickel, cobalt, manganese

^[3] LFP: lithium, iron, phosphate

^[4] LMR: lithium manganese-rich

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-energy-solution-releases-2025-third-quarter-financial-results-302599178.html

SOURCE LG Energy Solution

ZYMOX® Helps Over 1,200 Pets Find Forever Homes During 17th Annual “Get Your Licks on Route 66®” Pet Adoption Tour

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

To date, the tour has helped place nearly 22,000 pets into new homes nationwide.

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pet King Brands, an industry leader of veterinarian-recommended enzymatic pet health care and creator of the award-winning ZYMOX^® and Oratene^®, proudly supported the 17^th Annual “Get Your Licks on Route 66^® Pet Adoption Tour” hosted by FIDO Friendly^® Magazine. With the support of Pet King Brands, the multi-city event once again proved a success, helping 1,286 pets find loving forever homes across the country.

Kicking off in August, the 2025 “Get Your Licks on Route 66^®” tour made stops at nine shelters along the historic Route 66 corridor, from Los Angeles, Sedona and Albuquerque to Tulsa, Springfield, Omaha and more, connecting communities through the shared mission of animal adoption and welfare.

“This is something we could never do without the support of ZYMOX year after year,” said Susan Sims, Publisher Fido Friendly Magazine and host of the tour. “Their on-going commitment to helping animals and shelter organizations nationwide is not only inspiring, but truly impactful.”

Each tour stop featured local shelters, community events and opportunities for attendees to meet and take home their new best friend (together with free pet products provided by ZYMOX).

“This tour has an incredible mission, and we’re proud to be part of it,” said Debra Decker, Director of Marketing at Pet King Brands. “Caring for pets in need is at the heart of our company’s mission, and we’re honored to once again support this life-changing initiative.”

To learn more about the tour, visit www.fidofriendly.com and click on the Route 66 badge. For product information, visit www.zymox.com.

About Pet King Brands
Pet King Brands, proud sponsors of The Westminster Kennel Club’s 149^th Dog Show and makers of ZYMOX^® Ear and Skin, Oratene^® Brushless Oral Care, Equine Defense^®, and ZYLAFEN™ products, is a leader in veterinarian-approved pet products made in the USA. Focused on the health and wellness of small and large animals of all ages, the products utilize the power of the LP3 Enzyme System and have been resolving ear, skin and oral conditions for over 25 years. Led by President and Founder Pamela Bosco, with the help of her bioscientist brother, Michael Pellico, Pet King Brands has revolutionized the way people care for animals’ ears, skin and mouths, offering solutions that are gentle, easy to administer and free of harsh chemicals and antibiotics.

About FIDO Friendly^®

Founded in 2001, FIDO Friendly^® is the leading Travel & Lifestyle Magazine for dog lovers. Published 3x per year, each issue highlights destinations, lodging, and activities where pets are welcome, as well as the latest in pet health, wellness, and adoption. Learn more at www.fidofriendly.com.

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SOURCE Pet King Brands

Leaders Applaud DOE’s $1.5 Billion Loan to Wabash Valley Resources

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

National, state, and industry leaders celebrate a transformative investment advancing U.S. fertilizer production, energy independence, and regional revitalization

WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright’s announcement of a $1.5 billion DOE loan closing for Wabash Valley Resources (WVR), national and state leaders, technology partners, and investors issued the following statements celebrating this landmark investment in America’s energy, industrial, and agribusiness future.

The Energy Dominance Financing (EDF) loan supports WVR’s $2.6 billion clean ammonia fertilizer project, which will repurpose an existing clean-coal gasification plant for ammonia production.

What They Are Saying:

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright
“For too long, America has been dependent on foreign sources of fertilizer,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are changing that by putting America first, relying on American coal, American workers, and American innovation to power our farms and feed our families.”

Governor Mike Braun, R-Ind.
“I commend President Trump, the U.S. Department of Energy, and their Energy Dominance Financing program for this wise investment in Indiana. Wabash Valley Resources is putting America first—transforming an idle fossil energy plant into a fertilizer engine that strengthens our farmers, bolsters energy independence, and revitalizes coal country. This is the kind of vision and leadership we need to compete globally.”

U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer, R-Ind., 8th District
“This bold investment is exactly the kind of forward-looking initiative our communities deserve. President Trump is not only boosting American agriculture and energy independence, but also bringing jobs, prosperity, and renewed purpose to every corner of Indiana’s 8th District. I applaud WVR and look forward to working hand in hand to ensure this succeeds for our farmers, our workers, and our nation’s security.”

Simon Greenshields, Chairman of the Board, Wabash Valley Resources
“We are grateful to the leadership of the U.S. Department of Energy and its Loan Programs Office for their confidence in our vision and steadfast partnership,” said Simon Greenshields, Chairman of the WVR Board. “Senator Jim Banks, Congressman Mark Messmer, and Governor Mike Braun have been unwavering champions from the outset. Their commitment to strengthening Indiana’s energy infrastructure and securing reliable fertilizer supply chains for America’s farmers has been essential to reaching this milestone.

“We are equally honored by the trust shown by the Government of the Republic of Korea through its Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), and by our Korean investment partners, Hanwha Asset Management and Korea Investment Real Asset Management Co., Ltd. (KIRA), who have invested in Wabash,” Greenshields added. “Wabash demonstrates what’s possible when DOE’s catalytic support is combined with trusted global capital. Together, we are forging a new chapter in U.S.–Korea energy cooperation that advances shared goals of industrial innovation, energy security, and economic resilience.”

Dan Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Wabash Valley Resources
“This project is more than an investment; it’s a new chapter for a world-class facility and the community that built it. With the support of the U.S. Department of Energy, our elected leaders, our Korean partners, and America’s skilled workforce, we’re restoring good-paying jobs and proving that rural Indiana can help lead America’s clean energy future.

“We’re especially grateful to the men and women of organized labor—particularly the national IBEW and our local building trades unions—whose skill and professionalism will bring this vision to life.”

Peter Sherk, Founding Board Member, Wabash Valley Resources
“We are equally grateful for the patience, trust, and expertise of our strategic collaborators. The unwavering commitment and world-class innovation of Baker Hughes, Samsung E&A, Honeywell UOP, and Casale have helped transform an ambitious idea into reality.”

Lorenzo Simonelli, Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO
“We are proud that with the Department of Energy’s support, Wabash Valley Resources will leverage Baker Hughes’ advanced technology, subsurface expertise and digital solutions – including the first application of CarbonEdge – to enhance American energy production. This partnership showcases how digital innovation can move forward the American energy renaissance.”

Hong Namkoon, SAMSUNG E&A President & CEO
The Clean Ammonia Project with Wabash Valley Resources is a landmark initiative driven by close collaboration between the U.S. and Korean governments, as well as leading companies from both nations.

SAMSUNG E&A President & CEO, Hong Namkoon, said, “We are honored that SAMSUNG E&A is empowered to leverage its proven expertise and innovative technologies to ensure the successful execution of this project, contributing to a more progressive energy future and the continued growth of U.S. industry.”

Ken West, president and CEO of Honeywell Energy
“As energy demand increases, Honeywell’s carbon capture technologies help customers like Wabash Valley Resources optimize operations and reduce emissions to help boost the domestic production of important inputs like ammonia to support American agriculture,” said Ken West, president and CEO of Honeywell Energy and Sustainability Solutions. “WVR’s West Terre Haute facility highlights the importance of public-private partnerships and we appreciate the U.S. Department of Energy’s support to advance innovative technologies that can modernize traditional industries and improve the reliability and resilience of the U.S. energy sector.”

Media Contact:	Pete Rimsans
	primsans@wvresc.com
	O: (812) 281-2800

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SOURCE Wabash Valley Resources

Key Ethylene Oxide Claims in Puerto Rico to Proceed; Milberg, Along with Class Counsel Firms, Calls Ruling a Major Step for Environmental Justice

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — National plaintiffs’ firm Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC, together with its co-counsel firms, announced today that the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico has allowed negligence and nuisance claims to proceed in a landmark environmental class action alleging widespread exposure to the carcinogen ethylene oxide (EtO) from multiple medical-device sterilization plants across the island.

The ruling in Jeanette Pérez-Maceira et al. v. Customed Inc. et al., No. 3:23-cv-01445 (D.P.R.), denies dismissal of key counts and clears the way for discovery on behalf of a putative class of hundreds of thousands of residents, workers, and students within a four-mile radius of sterilizer facilities operated by Steri-Tech Inc. (Salinas), Medtronic P.R. Inc. (Villalba), and Customed Inc. (Fajardo).

National Attention on Puerto Rico’s EtO Burden

Puerto Rico is home to multiple EtO sterilization facilities, and several—Steri-Tech, Customed, Medtronic, and Edwards Lifesciences—have been identified as elevated-risk sites for nearby communities. Independent scientific assessments have further highlighted Puerto Rico as a “sterilizer hotspot,” with overlapping exposure zones and disproportionate burdens in communities with fewer resources.

“Ethylene oxide is an ordinarily undetectable gas that can change lives in silence,” said Marc Grossman, Senior Partner at Milberg. “Today’s decision brings us one step closer to delivering accountability, transparency, and health protection for the people of Puerto Rico.”

Seeking Medical Monitoring and Accountability

Notably, the Court rejected Defendants’ arguments to dismiss Plaintiffs’ requests for a defendant-funded, court-supervised medical monitoring program—a remedy aimed at early detection and preventive care for residents who may face latent risks. In addition to medical monitoring, plaintiffs seek compensatory relief and injunctive measures to reduce ongoing exposures and protect public health.

About Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman

For more than fifty years, Milberg has been a global leader in class-action, mass-tort, and environmental-justice litigation—securing billions in recoveries and driving reforms in corporate accountability and public health. Learn more at milberg.com.

About Napoli Shkolnik

Napoli Shkolnik is a nationally recognized law firm representing plaintiffs in complex environmental and toxic-tort cases, including major water-contamination and community-exposure matters. Learn more at napolilaw.com.

About 1-800-LAW-FIRM

Founded by Ari Kresch in 1996, 1-800-LAW-FIRM consists of a team of seasoned lawyers who strongly believe in holding companies that put profits over people accountable for their actions. By joining forces with the nation’s best law firms to litigate claims against companies, 1-800-LAW-FIRM is built on the core values of integrity, honesty, and transparency. Learn more at 1800lawfirm.com.

Media Contact

Karine Lim

klim@milberg.com

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SOURCE Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC

The $449 Question That’s Challenging Luxury Fashion’s Oldest Rule

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

After 42 years dressing Hollywood, Jovani’s design team asked: What if red carpet quality didn’t require a red-carpet budget?

NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/jovani/9362751-en-jovani-dresses

Julie Durocher was at a trunk show in Miami when she overheard the conversation. Two girls, maybe 16, stood in front of a champagne-colored ball gown covered in hand-sewn crystals. One reached for it, then pulled back.

“It’s gorgeous, but…” The sentence trailed off. They both knew what came next.

Durocher, Jovani’s lead designer for the past 18 years, has dressed celebrities for award shows. She’s created gowns that cost $3,000, that take weeks to bead by hand, that get photographed on red carpets. But standing there, watching those two girls walk away from something they loved because of a price tag, something shifted.

“I went back to New York and told the team we needed to have a very honest conversation,” she says.

That conversation led to Jovani’s 2026 prom collection, which launches with something the luxury fashion world rarely attempts: three distinct experiences at three very different price points, all with the same uncompromising quality standards.

The collection includes over 1,000 designs. At the top, couture pieces push creative boundaries with techniques usually reserved for runway shows —3D ﬂoral appliqués sculpted by hand, vintage European laces, hours of detailed beadwork. These are statement gowns that rival anything at Paris Fashion Week.

In the middle, the core 2026 collection offers Jovani’s signature aesthetic: bold silhouettes, trend-forward colors, the kind of dress that photographs beautifully and feels even better.

And then there’s the new tier: gowns under $500 that refuse to compromise.

“Everyone told us it was impossible,” Durocher admits. “You can’t do hand-sewn details at that price. You can’t use quality fabrics. You have to cut corners somewhere.” She pauses. “We just decided we wouldn’t.”

It’s a philosophy Jacob Maslavi established when he founded Jovani in 1983 in New York’s fashion district. His dream was simple: make every woman look gorgeous. His sons, who now run the company, haven’t for gotten that. But they’ve also recognized something their father couldn’t have predicted: today’s generation doesn’t accept the old rules about who gets access to quality.

“My dad started this believing beauty shouldn’t be exclusive,” says one of the Maslavis. “We’re just ﬁnishing what he started.”

The under -$500 collection uses the same design team, the same attention to construction, the same New York creative direction as everything else that leaves their atelier. The difference? Smarter fabric sourcing. More efﬁcient production. Accepting smaller margins.

It’s not charity. It’s philosophy.

And it’s arriving at exactly the right moment. Gen Z has made it clear: they want quality, but they also want fairness. They’ll support brands that ﬁgure out how to deliver both. Jovani, after 42 years of quietly perfecting their craft, might have ﬁnally cracked the code.

Three price points. One standard. Zero compromise.

That girl in Miami? She deserves the same dress as the girl whose family can afford couture.

Jovani just decided to make that possible.

For more information, visit www.jovani.com.

About Jovani

Founded in 1983 in New York’s fashion district, Jovani designs prom, evening, and special occasion dresses distributed through authorized retailers worldwide. Now led by the aslavi family’s second generation, the brand maintains its founding commitment to quality and accessibility.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-449-question-thats-challenging-luxury-fashions-oldest-rule-302598973.html

SOURCE Jovani Fashions

https://www.youtube.com/embed/bpTGs69zCMA?autoplay=0

Board Declares Quarterly Dividend

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

WESTMINSTER, Colo., Oct. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ball Corporation‘s (NYSE: BALL) board of directors (the “Board”) today declared a cash dividend of 20 cents per share, payable December 15, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2025.

Conference Call Details
Ball will announce its third quarter 2025 earnings on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 before trading begins on the New York Stock Exchange. At 9 a.m. Mountain Time on that day (11 a.m. Eastern Time), Ball will hold its regular quarterly conference call on the company’s results and performance.

Please use the following URL to join via webcast:
Ball Corporation Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call

To participate in the live call Q&A session, North American callers should use the following number, 877-497-9071. International callers should use the following number, +1 201-689-8727.

For those unable to listen to the live call, a taped replay and transcript of the event will be available within 48 hours on Ball’s website at www.ball.com/investors under “Financial Results.”

About Ball Corporation

Ball Corporation supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers. Ball Corporation employs 16,000 people worldwide and reported 2024 net sales of $11.80 billion, which excludes the divested aerospace business. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/board-declares-quarterly-dividend-302598728.html

SOURCE Ball Corporation

Why Making a Regular Appointment With Your Doctor Makes a Difference

Posted on October 29, 2025 by sHq_LoGiNz

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

When it comes to your health, preventive care is a great way to take control of your journey and stay on track. Taking the time to visit the doctor — and reminding loved ones to do the same — might mean a little extra effort, but it also means reassurance. And, it could mean saving a life.

To help you remember to schedule preventive care appointments, think about doing it on the same memorable day every year — a birthday, an anniversary, Groundhog Day. Tying these appointments to a special day will serve as an extra reminder. Here are a few important appointments to make every year and recommended ages to start visiting the doctor.

Wellness exams — Yearly wellness exams play an important part in staying healthy. While an individual’s health should provide a guidepost for annual checkups, it’s recommended to start scheduling these around age 30 — no later than early 40s.¹

Colonoscopies — People with low risk for colon cancer should start scheduling annual colonoscopies after blowing out the candles on their 45^thbirthday cake.² For anyone with a family history of colorectal cancer, it’s advisable to start earlier. Talk to a doctor to decide when to start getting these exams.

Skin cancer checks — Think about planning annual trips to the dermatologist starting around age 18.³ Keep risk factors in mind when deciding what age to start annual skin cancer screenings. Medical history, on a personal level and among family members, is important to consider, along with the consequences of frequent sun exposure.

Gynecological exams — While it’s recommended to visit the gynecologist for the first time between 13 and 15 years old,⁴ these appointments don’t need to be annual until later. By age 21,⁵ begin scheduling yearly gynecological exams for pap smears, pelvic exams and other important tests.

Breast exams — People at average risk for breast cancer should start adding breast exams to their gynecological checkups at age 40.⁶Don’t forget to perform self-exams once a month,⁷ which can detect any changes before visiting a doctor — but don’t think of a self-exam as a substitute for your annual exams. Other important tests include mammograms, which are a crucial tool in early detection of changes in the breast tissue, including cancer.

Prostate exams — Men should typically start getting annual prostate exams around age 50⁸ and no later than 55.⁹ Those at high risk, including African Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer, should consider making these appointments at an earlier age, starting in their 40s.

Testicular cancer checks — It’s recommended to start self-exams at age 15,¹⁰ and no later than early 20s.¹¹ After beginning to perform self-exams once a month, ask a doctor for a medical exam once a year.

Feeling good is great, but don’t forget to keep up these regular appointments even if everything seems just fine. Visit Aflac.com/WellnessBenefits to learn how Aflac offers encouragement to visit the doctor’s office.

¹“What to Expect at Your Annual Wellness Exam” (2023) Accessed on Sept. 26, 2025 www.health.cleveland.org

²“Screening for Colorectal Cancer | Colorectal Cancer | CDC” (2025) Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.cdc.gov

³“Skin Cancer Screening: Medline Plus Medical Test” (2022) Accessed on Sept. 26, 2025 www.medlineplus.gov

⁴“What Is a Gynecologist? What They Do and When To See One” (2025) Accessed on Sept. 26, 2025 www.my.cleveland.org

⁵“Gyn Care 101: What to know about about seeing a gynecologist – Harvard Health” (2022). Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.health.harvard.edu

⁶“ACS Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines | American Cancer Society” (2023) Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.cancer.org

⁷NCBF team (2025) Breast Self-Exam. Accessed on June 2, 2025 www.nationalbreastcancer.org

⁸“American Cancer Society Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Early Detection” (2023) Accessed June 2, 2025 www.cancer.org

⁹Christian Pavlovich (2025) “Prostate Cancer: Age-Specific Screening Guidelines” Accessed June 2, 2025 www.hopkinsmedicine.org

¹⁰uclahealth (2023) “How (and why) you should perform testicular self-exams” Accessed June 2, 2025 www.uclahealth.org

¹¹“How to Check for Testicular Cancer | St. Vincent’s Medical Center” (2024) Accessed June 2, 2025 www.stvincents.org

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for insurance.

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