Originally published on GovTech.com

By Nikki Davidson

In 2024, the U.S. saw 27 weather and climate disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damage. The total number of destructive disasters was just one shy of 2023’s record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Whether the destruction comes from fire, tornado, flood or hurricane, they all have one thing in common: They stress infrastructure that provides digital connectivity. T-Mobile has launched several new tools aimed at helping first responders and governments improve their responses with tech.

While T-Mobile deploys to areas hit by disaster with community support teams that stand up Wi-Fi and device-charging trucks, the team has also launched tools like a dynamic 5G slice just for first responders, an expansive drone fleet and direct-to-cell satellite texting capabilities.

“I haven’t seen more advancements in technology like I’ve seen just even in the last year that are really changing the way we show up,” said Nicole Hudnet, the national adviser and ESF 2 lead for T-Mobile Emergency Response, in an interview with Government Technology.

NEW NETWORK SLICE PRIORITIZES FIRST RESPONDERS
T-Mobile has released what it describes as “the nation’s first 5G slice that prioritizes public safety.” It’s called T-Priority, a 5G network slice dedicated to first responders.

“It is a dynamic slice on the network,” said Hudnet, explaining that in times of congestion the network is expanded to allow first responders to stay connected while remaining network capacity for other customers scales down, giving first responders priority. “It can expand across that network, giving responders reliable data connectivity, low latency and faster speeds for that data communication that they need.”

In the video above, Hudnet shared how T-Priority was used to keep fire crews connected during the Palisades and Eaton wildfires in early 2025.

Hudnet noted that when working with the Los Angeles Fire Department, T-Mobile activated more than 350 devices with T-Priority, enabling first responders and command posts access to tools like AI-enabled mapping software and to livestream the view from drone technology.

DIRECT-TO-CELL SATELLITE TEXTING ENABLES EMERGENCY ALERTS
T-Mobile has also launched T-Satellite, a cellular service that provides connectivity for smartphones with direct-to-cell satellite texting capabilities in areas without traditional cell tower service.

The service was first activated directly in response to a crisis, when the FCC granted T-Mobile and Starlink a Special Temporary Authority to use SpaceX’s direct-to-cellular satellite technology to provide emergency texting and alerts in some areas impacted by Hurricane Helene’s destruction.

In the video above, Hudnet explained the impact the early launch had during the disaster.

“This was in the very early phases, we had no guarantee of the service. But, we said, ‘If we can get one message out, one is better than none,’ and we did see over a million people connected,” Hudnet said.

Since that first use case, T-Satellite has been used in more recent disasters, like the flooding in Central Texas in July.

“T-Satellite is really that flashlight in the dark,” said Hudnet, adding that T-Satellite connected as many as 93,000 people during the event.

A NEW FOCUS ON DRONE TECHNOLOGY
The flooding in Texas also prompted T-Mobile to increase its drone fleet by 50 percent to reach places more quickly when disasters occur.

The company is investing in heavy-lift drones that can travel for miles and carry up to 100 pounds to deliver supplies and drop in portable connectivity gear. They’ve also added specialty drones to their fleet, equipped with thermal and high-resolution cameras with lidar to locate people, map damage, guide crews and provide scene lighting.

Meanwhile, tethered drones can stay in the air up to 400 feet high, creating a temporary cell-coverage bubble about two miles wide.

According to Hudnet, the company’s drone team embedded with Texas Parks and Wildlife to assist with air operations, supporting search and recovery efforts and providing mapping assistance and airspace monitoring.

“It really improves that emergency response, whether it is providing surveillance over a community, being able to transmit that live feedback from a scene so that responders, when they can’t physically get to an area, they can send a drone into the area and be able to stream that back,” she said.

AN EMERGING FOCUS ON MANAGING CYBER INCIDENTS
T-Mobile frequently partners with agencies during their most challenging moments, but much of the work happens on “blue-sky days,” when the company plans and coordinates with state, local and federal partners. Hudnet asserted that the theme for disaster response in 2025 is the power of having a PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) communications plan in place.

“These relationships, especially at the state and local level, are so important to working with other stakeholders, whether that’s utilities and power helping us coordinate together to restore these communities together. They’re also helping us mitigate access issues, roadblocks, getting escorts into areas and getting us into areas where there are access concerns so we can restore quickly for those communities,” said Hudnet. “These relationships are absolutely paramount and pivotal to response in a community.”

Those relationships also come into play during critical cybersecurity incidents. T-Mobile has supported several agencies in the wake of major cyber attacks, when they’re often asked to ship in hot spots and routers, like when St. Paul, Minn., declared a state of emergency for a cyber attack this summer.

“While we did get them there quickly, that response is not immediate versus having that equipment onsite,” she said.

Published by Action Against Hunger.

Contact media@actionagainsthunger.org for inquiries.

The Transformative Power of Sustainable Food Systems 

Action Against Hunger is striving to create a world free from hunger for everyone, for good. Achieving this vision requires strong food systems that ensure access to nutritious food for all. Yet in today’s world, the goal can feel out of reach. Climate change is accelerating, inequity abounds, and poverty persists. Challenges like these have left 673 million people without reliable access to the food they need.

But what if we found a way to make food systems that are not only prepared to withstand hunger-causing challenges, but to help prevent them? Action Against Hunger is doing exactly that. Our approach to building food systems focuses on nourishing people, sustaining the planet, and creating fair opportunities for farmers, all of which promote food security for present and future generations. Around the world, our teams are working closely with local communities to create food systems that tackle hunger at the root so we can create a future where no one goes hungry.

Here are three case studies of Action Against Hunger’s work in building sustainable food systems.

3 Cases of Sustainable Food System-Building 

1. Western Province, Zambia

Zambia is struggling to boost food security in the face of a changing El Niño weather pattern. As climate change worsens, the crop-destroying dry season becomes longer and is followed by excessive flooding that depletes soil nutrients. In 2024, Zambia experienced its worst drought in over 40 years, a national emergency that impacted over nine million people – 2.04 million of whom were already severely food insecure.

Action Against Hunger is bolstering the climate resilience of Zambia’s food system with the power of one simple crop – the cowpea. The protein-packed legume is drought-resistant and able with withstand Zambia’s low-fertility soil. It even enriches the soil with nitrogen, combatting the damaging effects of climate change and helping other crops flourish. So far, Action Against Hunger has provided training to 1,545 smallholder farmers who are successfully harvesting cowpeas – about 108.85 Metric tons-worth in 2025 alone.

The project is still in its infancy, but benefits are already tangible: farmers’ crop yields have been boosted, the local community’s diet diversity and protein intake has improved, and soil health is restoring. Additionally, farmers are using other parts of the cowpea plant as fodder [animal feed], decreasing waste and maintenance costs. With crop yields and incomes rising, farmers in Zambia are paving the way for a more resilient food system that can withstand the trials of droughts and floods.

2. Malkadaka, Kenya

In Malkadaka Village, women faced major barriers to income. Gender norms excluded them from financial decision-making, while climate shocks devastated their community’s traditional pastoralist livelihood and left families without food or income. Determined to change this, a group of women turned to farming.

With Action Against Hunger’s support, they learned agroecological and climate-smart techniques such as water harvesting, soil conservation, and intercropping, which helped them build a thriving, sustainable garden. Families could finally access diverse, nutritious foods. Additionally, farmers were linked to markets where they could sell surplus harvests and generate income. Savings enabled the women to make purchases for basic needs and investments in small businesses and farm improvements, and a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) was established to improve financial resilience. For women like Shinda Yussuf, who had never had her own money before, the garden and VSLA supplied her with unprecedented security and independence.

By combining climate-smart farming with financial empowerment, women in Malkadaka are transforming their community’s food system. Their leadership is building resilience to climate change, nourishing their families, and creating equitable opportunities for future generations.

3. Satkhira, Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s coastal regions are under siege by climate change. Cyclones are striking with greater frequency and force, salinizing soil and water, destroying crops, and pushing families into hunger. In Satkhira, where most people depend on farming, repeated disasters have left land barren, and fear of the next disaster is ever-present.

Action Against Hunger is implementing an innovative way to strengthen Satkhira’s food system. Using artificial intelligence, our team monitors key indicators to predict cyclones and tidal surges. Communities receive warnings and enact Early Action Plans, so families are able to harvest and store crops, secure assets, and evacuate safely before disaster strikes.

When families return to their land, they have support in rebuilding their farms. Farmers are trained in agroecological techniques like raised garden beds, which lift crops above saline soils, and mulching, which improves water retention and replenishes nutrients. Women, who often bear the brunt of food insecurity, are also engaged in alternative livelihoods such as aquaculture, giving households more diversified and resilient incomes.

Harnessing the power of predictive technology and resilient farming practices, Satkhira demonstrates how sustainable food systems are able to withstand even the harshest climate shocks. Instead of each cyclone setting communities back further, they are able to prepare for and overcome the damage together.

Achieving a Hunger-Free Future Through Sustainable Food Systems 

Ending hunger is not just an aspiration: it is achievable. The incredibly resilient communities in Zambia, Keyna, and Bangladesh show that, even in dire circumstances, sustainable food systems can still be built. Through innovative thinking and collective effort, we can create food systems that nourish everyone today, while contributing to a better tomorrow.

***

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 26.5 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across over 55 countries, our 8,500+ dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

ASTANA, Kazakhstan , Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, announced a landmark collaboration in Kazakhstan’s 1 GW Mirny Wind Farm, Kazakhstan’s first and most ambitious renewable energy project to date, signing a Letter of Award (LOA) to supply 124 of its advanced 6.5 MW wind turbines. The agreement was signed during Kazakhstan Energy Week in Astana, in the presence of project partners TotalEnergies, Samruk-Energo JSC, and KazMunayGas.

Developed by Aktas Energy, a partnership between TotalEnergies, Samruk-Energo JSC, and KazMunayGas, the Mirny project exemplifies how strategic investment, technological innovation, and international cooperation can transform a nation’s energy landscape. With an estimated annual output of 4 billion kWh, the project will power over one million households while preventing 3.5 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually. With an integrated 300 MW / 600 MWh Battery Energy Storage System, it will also enhance grid reliability and energy security for the country to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.

Envision Energy was selected for its global leadership, cost-efficient solutions that make clean energy more accessible, and its strong commitment to local content and community engagement. The first turbines are expected to arrive in Kazakhstan by late 2026, with construction scheduled to begin the same year. Once completed, the project will not only reinforce Kazakhstan’s energy security but also support the nation’s pathway toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

“Kazakhstan is not only a vital partner of Envision Energy in the global energy transition, but also a nation with extraordinary potential to lead Central Asia toward a net-zero future,” said John Lee, General Manager of Asia & Africa Markets at Envision Energy, “The Mirny wind project stands as a landmark example of how innovation and cross-border collaboration can come together to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale. With our advanced 6.5 MW turbines, localized capabilities, and renewable-powered global supply chain, we are proud to support Kazakhstan’s ambition to achieve 15% renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Together with our partners, we are turning this vision into reality- bringing lasting benefits to Kazakhstan, the region, and the world.”

“No nation or company can tackle climate change alone; it requires cross-border collaboration, technological excellence, and a shared vision,” said Thierry Plaisant, Managing Director for TotalEnergies Renewables Kazakhstan, “With the advanced turbine technology, global expertise, and strong commitment to local content development, Envision Energy is the partner of choice for Kazakhstan’s landmark wind energy project. Together with Envision, we are confident that the Mirny project will play a pivotal role in helping Kazakhstan achieve 15% renewable energy in its national energy mix by 2030, delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable clean energy while creating lasting economic and social benefits for local communities.”

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/envision-energy-powers-central-asias-green-future-with-landmark-1-gw-mirny-wind-project-in-kazakhstan-302574822.html

SOURCE Envision Energy

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us about your career journey and what led you to join the Learning and Development team at GoDaddy.

I started my journey at GoDaddy as a Guide, helping customers and building connections every day. From there, I moved into a Supervisor role, where I got the chance to coach and support Agents more directly. But deep down, I always knew my heart was set on the Learning and Development team. That passion for education actually started before GoDaddy—back in my Sephora days as an Educational Lead. I fell in love with the way learning could transform not just results, but people’s confidence and growth and I knew GoDaddy had a real strength in this through L&D. Since then, my journey has been about combining my love for people, coaching, and creating meaningful learning experiences—and I’m grateful to be part of a team that helps employees grow and thrive.

What have you learned about yourself through the projects you’ve worked on?

Through the projects I’ve worked on, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve found that I thrive in that sweet spot where creativity meets structure—whether I’m welcoming new hires into our values, giving feedback to make learning content shine, or coaching on sales skills. I also discovered (thanks to StrengthsFinder here at GoDaddy!) that my natural “Woo” energy is one of my biggest strengths—it helps me connect with people, spark excitement, and make learning fun and approachable. And honestly, I’ve learned that the magic happens when I step outside my comfort zone—that’s where I grow the most, and where I get to support and inspire others to do the same.

How does GoDaddy’s culture support employee learning and growth?

One of the things I love most about GoDaddy is how much the culture embraces learning as part of everyday life. It’s never just about checking boxes or following a rigid path—it’s about curiosity, exploration, and growth. With the vast array of resources available through L&D and GoLearn—which boasts an impressive 60,000 courses—it’s truly difficult not to foster your own growth and development!

I’ve always felt encouraged to try new ideas, bring creativity into my work, and lean into opportunities that stretch me.

That kind of support makes it possible to grow not only as an employee, but as a person—and that’s what makes learning here feel exciting and meaningful.

Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in a career at GoDaddy?

If you’re thinking about a career at GoDaddy, my advice is simple: be curious, take chances, and show up as your true self. This is a place that celebrates individuality, so lean into your unique strengths and see where they take you. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, try new things, and build connections—those relationships and experiences are often the stepping stones to growth, fun, and success!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I truly treasure spending time with my family. My happiest moments come from making memories together and enjoying the little adventures of everyday life with my husband, our 3½-year-old daughter, and our two dogs. Since moving from the United States to Britain seven years ago, travel has become a big passion of mine. I love exploring new countries and places. I’m known among my friends for my love of cheese, and I also have a love for all things beauty (skincare, haircare, makeup) and being creative. I enjoy cross-stitching, playing video games, and finding fun ways to express myself.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

Originally published by U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
By Patty Riddlebarger, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, Entergy Corporation

Aug. 29, 2005, will forever be remembered as the day that changed the history of New Orleans, one of America’s most iconic cities. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of the costliest natural disasters to hit the United States, an economic line of demarcation laid bare the difference between hope and hopelessness and, in some cases, life and death.

Much of the suffering and devastation associated with Hurricane Katrina can be traced directly to the extreme poverty that far too many New Orleans residents struggle with daily.

As the only Fortune 500 company headquartered in the city during the disaster, our shareholders recognized our unique responsibility to act thoughtfully and decisively. Wayne Leonard, then-chairman and CEO of Entergy, emphasized this urgency by expressing, “If we rally for stronger levees, better flood protection, and marsh restoration, but don’t address the underlying causes of poverty that pervade our region, that would be the greatest tragedy of all.”

So, as the rebuilding began, our approach was focused on eliminating or reducing socio-economic inequities and improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens.

Katrina was a once-in-a-lifetime moment to work with our community partners and create a New Orleans where neighborhoods are safe, businesses thrive, schools excel, and families achieve the dream of homeownership, all while fostering a culture of respect for the environment and celebration of diversity and inclusion. To that end, Entergy shareholders have invested some $95 million in philanthropic funds and more than $1.6 million in volunteer hours not just to rebuild, but to create a stronger, more resilient, and vibrant community that offers opportunity for all of its residents.

Affordable housing 

One of the most immediate needs post-Katrina was building or rebuilding affordable housing to enable families to return home. Entergy, with organizations like Volunteers of America, SBP USA, and Habitat for Humanity, partnered together to help build or rebuild 1,300 single or multi-family homes. We focused on supporting innovative partnerships that leveraged federal and other funding sources. Entergy provided critical seed funding to Volunteers of America that enabled it to hire a team with the financial expertise to utilize $80 million in new market tax credits and activate large-scale, multi-family housing initiatives.

Placing families on the path to economic stability 

An enduring lesson from Katrina was that when disaster strikes, the most vulnerable communities suffer most. To lessen the impact of future disasters, we took proactive steps to fortify low-income families for economic stability by implementing programs that not only increase household income but also facilitate savings, reduce debt, enhance credit ratings, and promote generational wealth through homeownership. In partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, Entergy launched the Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Project to help low-income individuals and families save money and build a strong financial foundation to recover and thrive.

Since 2006, the IDA Project has resulted in $58 million in asset purchases, transforming lives across Southeast Louisiana. More than 430 individuals, primarily single mothers, have become first-time homeowners.

Transforming public education 

Before Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans public schools ranked as the second-lowest performing school districts in Louisiana, with 83% of students in failing schools. Since 2005, our shareholders have invested $30 million in education in Orleans Parish. Today, there are zero failing schools across the parish. Although much work remains to be done, New Orleans students are better prepared for lifelong success today compared to pre-Katrina. Our strategic investments are targeted to organizations that deliver a data-driven approach to metrics that matter—attendance, behavior, growth in academics, and trauma-informed wrap-around services and supports. Our strategic partners have included New Schools for New Orleans, Teach for America, KIPP New Orleans, The Posse Foundation, College Beyond, College Track, First Line Schools, and Start the Adventures in Reading.

Providing high-quality childcare for low-income families 

Katrina destroyed 75% of childcare centers in Orleans Parish. With post-storm waiting lists of 16-to-1, the lack of childcare was a major obstacle in the city’s recovery. Entergy and our partners focused attention and resources on the issue through advocacy to draw down state and federal funding resources. Working with organizations like the Ready Louisiana Coalition, Success by Six, the Campaign for Grade Level Reading, and the Louisiana Public Policy Institute, these advocacy efforts culminated in the creation of $42 million in annual funding from municipal and state resources to provide early care and education for low-income families in Orleans Parish. 

Greening New Orleans by creating 130+ miles of bike lanes and walkways 

Before Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans had fewer than 11 miles of bike lanes. Although the city was awarded millions of dollars to resurface damaged roads through the federal Submerged Roads Program, the funding was restricted to capital uses only. Through a unique public-private partnership between the City of New Orleans and the Louisiana Public Health Institute, a grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation underwrote five years of salary expenses for the transportation engineer who designed and oversaw the creation of more than 130 miles of bike lanes and pedestrian pathways.

Restoring our urban forest 

The flood waters that covered 80% of Orleans Parish wreaked havoc with the city’s urban forest, destroying some 200,000 trees and resulting in New Orleans’ designation as the most de-forested urban center in the nation. Since Hurricane Katrina, Entergy has partnered with Nola Tree Project, Sustaining Our Urban Landscape (S.O.U.L.), Sankofa, Lafitte Greenway, and other nonprofits to restore many of the trees that were lost during the storm.

Investing in our future workforce through workforce development 

The presence of a skilled and ready workforce ranks among the most important factors for site selection when companies are seeking to expand or relocate. To that end, Entergy has partnered with the state, colleges and universities, and nonprofit partners to develop programs that create pathways to employment in high-demand, living-wage jobs. As the first corporate partner for STEM NOLA, we are fueling the imagination and dreams of 30,000 students in Louisiana each year by providing hands-on STEM learning opportunities.

Looking ahead 

As we reflect on 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall, we recognize the significant strides that have been made and understand that our work is far from complete. This blog honors our employees and community partners whose dedication and efforts have forged a path toward a brighter future for New Orleans.

Together, we continue to power life in the communities we’re privileged to serve, working tirelessly to achieve unprecedented progress that deserves celebration and recognition.

Continue reading here.

October 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Lenovo today announced its AA+ rating on the 2025 Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index, the index’s second-highest rating. Within its industry, Lenovo achieved the highest score in the environmental and social areas. This index is based on a robust process that includes consideration of the results from a sustainability assessment undertaken by Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA), an independent and professional assessment body, using its proprietary sustainability assessment and rating framework. 

Companies are evaluated on seven subjects under the categories of Environmental, Social, and Governance: Corporate Governance, Human Rights, Labor Practices, The Environment, Fair Operating Practices, Consumer Issues, and Community Involvement and Development. The methodology behind the sustainability assessment is reviewed annually to incorporate developments within the evolving ESG landscape, with reference to both international and local protocols. The assessment framework is designed to capture both general and industry-specific criteria across the three E, S and G core aspects; each rated equally as a base, with additional industry-specific materiality factors applied.  

Continued inclusion in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index demonstrates Lenovo’s long-term commitment to driving a smarter, more sustainable future for all. Lenovo is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 with targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative and is innovating to provide more energy-efficient products and solutions to its customers. Lenovo is also focused on contributing to the circular economy by integrating recycled materials into its products [1] and increasing the ease of repairability [2].

In social achievements, Lenovo fosters a culture of inclusion and mutual respect in its global workforce and extends these values to communities around the world. It has been recognized by the Human Rights Campaign, Workplace Pride, and Disability:IN for its inclusive workplace practices. Since 2020, Lenovo has invested nearly US $100 million towards providing access to technology and STEM education for those who need it most.

In addition to recognition from the Hang Seng Sustainability Index, Lenovo has recently received Platinum Recognition from EcoVadis, an AAA rating from MSCI ESG Ratings, and the Gold Award from the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) for Best Corporate Governance and ESG. Additionally, Lenovo was recently ranked #8 in Gartner’s Top 25 Global Supply Chain, with an ESG Score of 9/10 and retained the top spot in Gartner Asia/Pacific Supply Chain Top 10 for fourth year. These achievements underscore Lenovo’s commitment to transparent, credible progress across environmental, social and governance programs.

Learn more about Lenovo’s ESG performance on  Lenovo StoryHub and in Lenovo’s FY 2024/25 ESG Report.  

[1] In 2024, Lenovo’s use of plastics containing recycled content was approximately 12 million kilograms (gross) with a net CL PCC of approximately 6.2 million kilograms.

[2] Lenovo provides users of many of its laptop and desktop products with the resources necessary to repair their own devices, as well as offering repair support and service options for many systems

About Lenovo

Lenovo is a US$69 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #196 in the Fortune Global 500, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver Smarter Technology for All, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company with a full-stack portfolio of AI-enabled, AI-ready, and AI-optimized devices (PCs, workstations, smartphones, tablets), infrastructure (server, storage, edge, high performance computing and software defined infrastructure), software, solutions, and services. Lenovo’s continued investment in world-changing innovation is building a more equitable, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere. Lenovo is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange under Lenovo Group Limited (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY). To find out more visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via our StoryHub.

  • Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program has enabled evaluation of 42 sites and triggered 5,400 new jobs and $2 billion in capital investment in Ohio and Kentucky since the program began in 2010
  • Three high-potential industrial sites were selected for the 2025 program

CINCINNATI, October 3, 2025 /3BL/ – Duke Energy selected three properties in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky for inclusion in its 2025 Site Readiness Program, which prepares high-potential business and industrial sites for economic development investments and markets them nationwide to companies looking to start, expand or relocate their operations.

Bringing investment and jobs to Ohio and Kentucky: Since 2010, Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program has evaluated 42 sites in Ohio and Kentucky. Twenty companies have selected and committed to growing on sites that have been through the program.

Those companies are bringing over $2 billion capital investments and 5,400 new jobs for Ohio and Kentucky. Examples of companies include Coca-Cola, Carvana, Shape Corp. and Niagara Bottling.

About the program: The Duke Energy Site Readiness Program sparks economic growth by helping communities understand what steps to take in order to make their sites more competitive. In turn, this results in new jobs and a new tax base.

Under the program, Duke Energy works with consultant Site Selection Group and local engineering firm Bayer Becker. It also partners closely with REDI Cincinnati and BE NKY Growth Partnership, as well as with local community governments and other utilities.

What they’re saying

Amy Spiller, president, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky: “Economic development is vital to the future growth and prosperity of our region. Our Site Readiness Program is one example of the proactive economic development initiatives that Duke Energy pursues to help spark investment in the communities we serve. We appreciate our collaboration with local partners and developers as we work to bring more jobs to the region and make Greater Cincinnati a place in which people want to work and live.”

Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati: “Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program not only speeds up economic development opportunities but also ensures that our communities are equipped to compete with sites that are ready to be utilized. We appreciate Duke Energy’s ongoing investment and leadership in enhancing the economy of the Cincinnati region.”

Duke Energy has selected three properties in Ohio and Kentucky for inclusion in its 2025 Site Readiness Program to enhance these sites for business and industrial development:

  1. Frick Family Farms in Monroe, Ohio (Butler County)
     
  2. Union Ren Farms in Middletown, Ohio (Warren County)
     
  3. Commonwealth Commerce Center in Northern Kentucky (Pendleton County)

For 21 consecutive years, Duke Energy’s economic development efforts have been recognized by Site Selection magazine in the publication’s annual list of “Top Utilities in Economic Development.” In 2024 alone, the company helped recruit $548 million in new capital investment and over 1,000 jobs across Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides electric service to 910,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to 560,000 customers in a 2,650-square-mile service area, in Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. 

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. 

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Matt Martin
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DukeEnergyOH_KY

View original content here.

Annual event in Newark’s historic Halsey Street corridor gathered the City’s local businesses, artists and makers while bolstering community wellbeing

NEWARK, N.J., Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Halsey Festival, Newark’s signature celebration of culture, community, and small business, took place on Halsey Street (between Center and New Streets) on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, from 3–9 p.m. Hosted by Alexandra Bernard-Simmons, CEO/Founder of Think Like a Boss, the free, family-friendly festival featured over 70 vendors, live music curated by Newark-based DJ collective bunkr., food from local restaurants, interactive art and free activities for kids and families.

More than an event, Halsey Festival reflects Newark Alliance‘s vision to transform the Halsey corridor into a cultural and economic hub. Known for its entrepreneurial energy and creative spirit, Halsey Street sits at the heart of the Arts and Education District. Through festivals, placemaking initiatives, and small business support — particularly for BIPOC entrepreneurs —Newark Alliance is building a destination that honors the city’s history while fostering growth, creativity, and opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Ashley Mays, Chief Marketing Officer at Newark Alliance and President of Newark Happening, said: “Walking down Halsey Street during the festival is like seeing the city come alive. People are laughing, shopping, enjoying music, and connecting with neighbors. It’s a chance to experience some of the aspects that make Newark so special—our businesses, our artists, and our community coming together.”

This year’s festival celebrated Newark’s vibrant food and performing arts scene while supporting local small businesses and promoting community health and safety. RWJBarnabas Health introduced Harvest, a new Farm to Community Center expanding access to healthy food, and the Urban Agriculture Cooperative will distribute fresh produce. Free screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, and HIV were on-site, alongside voter registration and city health resources. Community partners—from NJPAC and Newark Arts to local nonprofits and student groups —hosted interactive activities, art stations, and resource tables throughout the event.

“Every year, Halsey Festival reminds us why we do this work,” said Evan Weiss, President and CEO of Newark Alliance. “It’s exciting to watch families, friends, and visitors explore the corridor, support local vendors, and discover new talent. This festival is more than an event—it’s a reflection of the vibrancy of this neighborhood.”

“Halsey Festival celebrates the vibrancy of the Newark community and highlights its rich cultural legacy and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Lata Reddy, senior vice president of Inclusive Solutions at Prudential Financial and chair of the Newark Alliance Board of Directors. “Prudential is proud to support this festival as part of our long-standing commitment to investing in Newark’s neighborhoods and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and homegrown talent — and creating lasting impact for residents and visitors alike.”

Entertainment included local performers Monique the Star, Craig Bradley, J.1.DA, and K Marques. The All Stars Project of New Jersey, Inspira Dance, and Rutgers student groups gave community-driven performances. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed special activations from partners like the Red Bulls and Girl Scouts. Nearby on Bleeker Street, GlassRoots offered free glassblowing demonstrations and studio tours. The evening wrapped up from 7–9 p.m. with karaoke on Halsey Street, giving festivalgoers the chance to take the stage.

Halsey Festival was made possible through the support of NJPBS, Prudential Financial, United Airlines, PSEG and NJEDA.

“NJ PBS is a proud media sponsor of Halsey Festival and its mission, like ours, to bring local arts, stories and voices to the community,” said Debra Falk, NJ PBS director of communications. “Events like this showcase Newark’s talent, creativity and energy, which are all reasons our network calls it home.”

Monica Slater Stokes, Managing Director, Corporate & Government Affairs of United Airlines added: “Giving back to the communities we live in and serve is in our DNA at United. We’re proud to sponsor Halsey Fest and help showcase Newark’s businesses, arts, and local talent to residents and visitors alike. Newark’s cultural events are a reflection of the city’s heartbeat, and we’re excited to play a part in amplifying that energy.”

Looking ahead, Halsey Festival programming continues with Halsey Art Block Party on October 9 (4–7 p.m., Halsey Street), the Western Fall Festival on October 25 (12–4 p.m., Military Park), and Newark Uncorked: Spirits Edition on November 15 (5–9 p.m., Newark Symphony Hall), featuring art, music, food, and community celebrations for all ages.

To learn more, please visit www.halseynwk.com. Halsey Festival is part of Festivals United Newark (FUN), a coalition of the city’s most beloved cultural events. For media inquiries or to learn more about FUN, please visit www.festivalsunitednewark.org.

ABOUT NEWARK ALLIANCE
The Newark Alliance, through the combined strength and collaboration of its members, drives inclusive economic growth for all of Newark, N.J. Our members comprise Newark’s premier businesses, anchor institutions, and community partners, including Fortune 100 and 500 companies and several of the country’s top universities, developers, hospitals, and arts institutions. United by a shared vision, the Alliance and its Members work collaboratively to cement Newark’s status as one of America’s most diverse, prosperous, exciting, and equitable cities. Visit us at www.newarkalliance.org, www.newarkhappening.com and www.downtownnewark.com.

ABOUT FESTIVALS UNITED NEWARK
Funded through a $1.5 million grant awarded to the Newark Alliance from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Festivals United Newark (FUN) is a unique partnership of leading festival and event organizers in the City of Newark, NJ. For the first time, Newark’s major festival planners have come together to form a coalition of the city’s most beloved cultural events. Together under one umbrella, FUN members include AfroBeat Fest, Halsey Festival, Lincoln Park Music Festival, Newark Arts Festival, Newark Pride, and Newark Winter Village, all in partnership with the Newark City Parks Foundation. FUN ensures a summer, fall, and winter filled with music, art, food and community. FUN is more than just a name – it’s a movement. For more, visit www.festivalsunitednewark.org.

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SOURCE Newark Alliance

Researchers demonstrate cobalt exsolution in solid oxide fuel cell cathodes in oxidizing atmospheres, presenting a new direction for fuel cell research

CHUNGCHEONG PROVINCE, South Korea, Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Fuel cells are an efficient, clean alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-based energy systems. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are especially attractive due to their ability to use multiple fuels, high efficiency and reversibility. Cobalt (Co)-doped rare-earth layered perovskite oxides are attractive cathode materials for low- and medium-temperature SOFCs. They offer excellent electrochemical performance, owing to their high oxygen content and flexible control of oxygen transport.

Yet, electrodes made from these materials demonstrate low long-term stability. Key strategies to address this issue include the substitution of some Co with Iron (Fe) and growing Co nanoparticles on the electrode surface through a process called metal exsolution. However, exsolution has only been demonstrated under high temperature-reducing atmospheres. Under the actual oxidizing operating environment of SOFC cathodes, this process is reversed.

A research team led by Professor Junghyun Kim from the Department of Advanced Materials Engineering at Hanbat National University, Republic of Korea, has now challenged this view. “We have presented the first experimental evidence of Co exsolution occurring in a high-temperature oxidizing atmosphere, challenging the conventional paradigm,” explains Prof. Kim. Their study was made available online on May 21, 2025, and published in Volume 648 of the Journal of Power Sources on August 30, 2025.

The researchers first studied the electrochemical properties and oxygen (O) content of two layered perovskite structures: SmBa0.45Sr0.5(Co1-xFex)1.9O5+d (SBSCF 1.9) and SmBa0.5Sr0.48(Co1-xFex)2.05O5+d (SBSCF 2.05). Two specific samples of these structures: one with 30% Fe substitution in SBSCF 1.9 (SBSCF 1.9-0.3) and one with 50% Fe substitution in SBSCF 2.05 (SBSCF 2.05-0.5) showed the highest electrochemical performance and were chosen for further study. When exposed to oxidizing atmospheres at high temperatures, both samples exhibited Co exsolution above 700 °C. The number of particles increased with increasing temperatures, reaching a maximum at 900° C.

The researchers explained that under oxidising conditions and high temperature environments, the weaker Co-O bonds are broken, while the Fe-O bonds remain stable. These dissociated oxygen atoms diffuse to the surface, forming oxygen vacancies in the material. These vacancies and Co, then segregate together towards the surface, leading to Co-exsolution. As temperatures increase, more Co exsolution particles appear.

Interestingly, SBSCF 1.9-0.3 formed smaller, but more exsolved Co particles than SBSCF 2.05-0.5. This resulted in a lower area specific resistance (ASR) and higher oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. This was linked to its higher surface oxygen vacancy concentration, originating from its lower Fe content. It also had higher Co-content.

Our results show that formation of finely dispersed exsolved Co particles is crucial for optimizing the electrochemical performance of SOFC cathodes,” says Prof. Kim. “Beyond SOFCs, these findings can also benefit oxygen separation membranes and environmental catalytic systems for clean-air technologies, and upcoming protonic ceramic fuel cells.

This study presents a new direction for fuel cell research, leading to more efficient and high-performance designs.

Reference
Title of original paper: Metal Co exsolution for catalyst design and electrochemical enhancement of non-stoichiometric solid oxide fuel cell cathodes
Journal: Journal of Power Sources
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.237402

About the institute

Website: https://www.hanbat.ac.kr/eng/

Media Contact:
Chaewon An
82-42-828-8461
402122@email4pr.com 

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SOURCE Hanbat National University

At Gen, giving back to the communities where we live and work is part of who we are. Recently, our Genovators — a grassroots, employee-led group driving innovation and engagement — stepped outside the office and into their local communities.

In Prague, our Genovators rolled up their sleeves at MetroFarm, spending the day helping with sustainable farming activities, connecting as a team, and supporting an organization dedicated to greener urban living.

Meanwhile, in Dublin, Genovators volunteered at the DSPCA, one of Ireland’s leading animal welfare charities. The team contributed their time to support the DSPCA’s mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need.

These volunteer efforts highlight the passion of our people and our commitment to making a positive impact — from sustainability and the environment to animal welfare and beyond.

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