Author: sHq_LoGiNz
DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–First Foundation Bank Announces 2025 Supporting Our Communities Grant Awardees.
GENEVA, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples faced calls to launch an independent investigation into the systemic mistreatment, exploitation, and violence faced by Indigenous women and girls across Canada today as international human rights expert J.R. Howell, a US-based attorney, filed a formal complaint.
Howell outlines a deeply troubling pattern of state-sponsored racism, gender-based violence, and child separation…
The filing calls out the failure of law enforcement to search the landfill where a serial killer disposed of the remains of four Indigenous women he murdered, Ashlee Shingoose, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Rebecca Contois. The complaint also targeted the government’s failure to search for Tanya Nepinak, who was murdered more than 10 years ago and whose remains are still in the landfill. Howell made the filing with the United Nations on behalf of the affected families and human rights defenders who were targeted and harassed by government officials in their efforts to call for a search of the missing women.
In the filing, Howell outlines a deeply troubling pattern of state-sponsored racism, gender-based violence, and child separation—practices that he argues amount to ongoing cultural genocide.
“Indigenous women and girls are still being trafficked, abused, and murdered—with impunity,” Howell said.
The complaint draws attention to multiple human rights violations, including the disproportionate rates of murder, abduction, and trafficking among Indigenous women and girls, and systemic failures by Canadian law enforcement to investigate these crimes. Howell also argues that historic and ongoing separation of Indigenous children from their families through biased child welfare systems and covert relocation and re-education strategies have deprived Canada’s Indigenous people of their human rights in violation of numerous international laws, including the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“Canada’s domestic legal systems have failed these communities,” said Howell. “International scrutiny is now necessary.”
Howell calls on the Special Rapporteur to:
- Launch an urgent investigation into the Canadian government’s role in systemic abuses against Indigenous peoples;
- Host listening sessions with victims and families in First Nations territories; and
- Encourage international oversight and reporting on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG).
Howell, whose legal career has spanned work in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, is also producing a documentary film on the subject, amplifying first-person accounts of Indigenous survivors and the families of missing women and children.
This filing follows Howell’s recent testimony to the California State Assembly on state surveillance practices and is part of his broader mission to combat institutional harm and expand accountability for marginalized communities.
For press interviews, access to the U.N. filing, or film media assets, please contact:
Media Contact:
Jase Lucas, The Excellence Agency
jase@ExcellenceLA.com
(323) 897-8656
ABOUT J.R. HOWELL:
J.R. Howell is a distinguished US attorney with an international practice specializing in human rights and social justice litigation across the US, Canada, and Europe. As principal attorney at The Law Office of J.R. Howell, he is dedicated to advocating for marginalized communities while embodying integrity and professionalism. With a robust educational background from institutions like The George Washington University and American University’s Washington College of Law, J.R. has significant experience both in the US and abroad. His recent multi-million dollar class action lawsuit victories underscore his commitment to justice, while an upcoming case defending reproductive freedoms highlights his advocacy. J.R. actively addresses injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada, focusing on truth and reconciliation regarding residential schools and missing and murdered women and girls. Currently producing a documentary on the MMIWG2s+ movement, he aims to raise awareness through first-person interviews with families of victims. Driven by a passion for justice, J.R. fights to amplify marginalized voices both in the courtroom and through film
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SOURCE The Law Office of J.R. Howell
Driving down our energy emissions through electrification and transitioning to renewable energy as well as our efforts towards more energy efficient processes is part of reaching our long-term goal of net-zero carbon further expanding the sustainability of our operations.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Approximately 54% of the electricity used in our manufacturing sites was renewable, compared to 45% in 2023 (31)
- Approximately (37)% CO2e emissions reductions across our manufacturing operations (vs. 2018) (2)
STRATEGIC APPROACH
Our three key strategic areas:
- Improving energy efficiency within our internal operations
Focusing on our operations, we are working to make our manufacturing plants more efficient by continuing to invest in advanced energy-management systems and energy efficient technologies. Solutions already in place are energy efficiency improvements to biscuit ovens and steam boilers, including heat recovery. We also invest in higher-efficiency equipment.
- Transition to renewable electricity and electrification
We are electrifying our operations and aiming for all the electricity we’re using across our manufacturing sites by 2030 to be renewable by transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable electricity and electrification.We have been working towards shifting away from fossil fuels as the primary source of the power we use and transferring to biofuels and renewable electricity. Electrification combined with our transition to renewable-sourced electricity are drivers of our decarbonization strategy.
- Increasing the use of renewable electricity
We’re working closely with governments and suppliers to promote renewable energy wherever we operate by either buying Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or generating at our facilities with onsite solar panels. This approach is working. About 54% of the electricity we used in 2024 came from various renewable sources, increasing from the approximately 45% achieved in 2023.(31)
ACTION PLANS AND PROGRESS
In our transition to electrification, our Viana bakery plant in Spain achieved in September 2024 an exciting and historic milestone where for the first-time ever, our beloved Oreo cookies were baked in a fully electric oven. The oven’s innovative features bring significant benefits, including lower energy consumption, minimal energy loss due to exhaust gases, and no combustion gases – resulting in lower emission baking. This remarkable achievement marks another important step toward our sustainability goals.
Installing heat pumps to provide hot water is part of our tactical approach towards our decarbonization goal. During 2024 we continued expanding this technology in our operations. Our Skarbimierz plant in Poland and Bludenz plant in Austria replaced boilers with heat pumps for hot water supply, the latter achieved an approximately 60% reduction in the annual gas consumption of the site.
Our commitment to increasing the use of renewable electricity is progressing as in 2024 we reached approximately 54% of renewable electricity usage globally.(31) Also, during 2024, new renewable electricity purchasing agreements were signed in Poland and Mexico, the latter takes Latin America to approximately 89% of renewable electricity consumption
During 2024 eight sites globally installed solar panels to supply electricity to our sites, helping these facilities to reduce and offset CO2 emissions. With this addition Mondelēz International has a total of 34 sites with solar energy generation which is approximately 100% renewable source.
GOALS AND METRICS
We attained our goal of CO2e emissions reductions across our manufacturing operations by 2025 (vs. 2018).
| 2024 PROGRESS | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | 2018 | |
| Total energy consumed (GJ) (31) | 18,528,000 | 18,464,000 | 18,902,000 |
| Total renewable energy (%) (31) | 54 % | 45 % | — |
| Manufacturing CO2e emissions from energy (CO2e market- based metric tonnes) (2) | 913,000 | 982,000 | 1,458,000 |
| CO2e emissions reductions across our manufacturing operations (vs. 2018) (%) (2) | (37)% | (33)% | — |
View the full 2024 Snacking Made Right Report.
(2) Please see the Carbon Accounting Manual for conversion factors applied. Reported information includes all divestitures to date and the following acquisitions (which were not included in previous years): Chipita, Clif bar, Give & Go, Gourmet Foods, Ricolino and Tate’s Bake Shop except for Evirth (subject to future data integration). We have recalculated our base year 2018 (where applicable) and most recent years (2023 and 2024). Reported information is verified by an independent third-party and available in our ESG Reporting & Disclosure Reporting Archive.
(31) Reported information includes all divestitures to date and the following acquisitions (which were not included in previous years): Chipita, Clif bar, Give & Go, Gourmet Foods, Ricolino and Tate’s Bake Shop except for Evirth (subject to future data integration). We have recalculated our base year 2018 (where applicable) and most recent years (2023 and 2024) for year-over-year comparison. Reported information is verified by an independent third-party and available in our ESG Reporting & Disclosure Reporting Archive.
ALBANY, N.Y., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a joint collaboration, PaintCare and the Albany Parking Authority were joined on Monday, Aug. 4 by elected officials, local dignitaries and industry stakeholders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Quackenbush Garage, where the organizations unveiled their new community mural. The project seeks to raise awareness of paint stewardship and local recycling efforts happening throughout the Capital Region. Local freelance illustrator and muralist, Quill Harrison, created the mural artwork, incorporating recycled paint collected by PaintCare for recycling.
During the event, remarks were made by Mike Johnson, American Coatings Association CEO; Andrew Radin, PaintCare NY Program Manager; Sean Palladino, Albany Parking Authority’s Executive Director; and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.
Attendees also included Chief City Auditor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs, representatives from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Empire State Development, the Downtown Albany BID, Discover Albany, and the Albany Convention Center Authority (ACCA).
“We’re thrilled to be in Albany today as we unveil this outstanding community mural, alongside the artist and our wonderful local partners. The mural showcases the paint and coatings industry’s spirit of collaboration and innovation,” said Mike Johnson, CEO at American Coatings Association. “The fact that it uses some of the paint collected in our PaintCare program underscores the importance of a responsible, circular approach to sustainability.”
“Projects like this demonstrate how reused paint and strong local collaboration can create something truly beautiful for the entire community,” said Andrew Radin, New York Program Manager at PaintCare. “We’re proud to partner with the Albany Parking Authority and love seeing how public art can transform shared spaces. Quill and the Albany Center Gallery did an exceptional job designing this one-of-a-kind mural, and we’re thrilled to see the community come together to celebrate it and the important message it sends to the region.”
Conveniently situated near popular restaurants and businesses, the Quackenbush Garage is a central hub to the downtown Albany area. Over the last decade, the Albany Parking Authority has been expanding its public art collection, featuring dozens of art installations, with the mural being its most recent addition. While Quill painted this latest mural, PaintCare had launched a dedicated webpage to showcase progress.
“Selecting local artist Quill Harrison for the mural design and execution is another example of how we’re committed to supporting the City of Albany,” said Sean Palladino, Executive Director, Albany Parking Authority. “Downtown Albany features many thriving restaurants and businesses that bring people to our parking facilities. We’re proud to create a space that celebrates local art and programs like PaintCare, while bringing the people of Albany together.”
Senator Patricia Fahy said, “I want to congratulate and thank Capital Region artist Quill Harrison for their work on downtown Albany’s newest public mural. Public art is a public good that helps to beautify our communities, breathe life into our neighborhoods, and supports our local arts community at a time it’s needed most. I couldn’t be more excited to see this new piece adorn downtown Albany, the core of our Capital Region, and I encourage everyone to stop by Quackenbush Garage to see now just this addition, but the plethora of public art that helps make Albany appealing to visitors and residents alike.”
Assemblymember Gabriella Romero said, “I’m proud to join PaintCare and the Albany Parking Authority for the unveiling of a new mural at the Quackenbush Garage. This mural is a powerful example of how public art can raise awareness about environmental issues like paint recycling. Community engagement through local art projects like this is essential to promoting both sustainability and the work of local artists. Congratulations to our talented local artist, Quill Harrison, on this outstanding achievement!”
Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy said, “This mural is more than just a vibrant addition to our city; it’s a powerful statement on sustainability. By turning what would be waste paint into art, we are leading by example and showing the power of paint stewardship. I would like to thank the artist Quill Harrison, PaintCare, and the Albany Parking Authority for their work to bring this mural to life. Public art like this brings people together, transforms everyday spaces, and reminds us of the local creativity that makes Albany so special.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “The new public art that has taken shape throughout Park Albany’s garages and lots not only spurs additional creativity and an opportunity to collaborate with our local artists, but invigorates our historic architecture and makes Albany’s newest neighborhood a vibrant hub of connectivity that attracts new residents, visitors, and businesses alike. This new partnership with PaintCare not only helps bolster the vibrancy of Downtown Albany but highlights the importance of sustainability and recycling, even through public art. I commend Park Albany, PaintCare, and our local artist, Quill Harrison, for highlighting the importance of public art and being committed to fostering an environment to help create more of it in the years to come.”
City of Albany Chief City Auditor Dr. Dorice Applyrs said, “I’m thrilled to see Albany’s newest work of art come to life. Especially beautifully imagined and brought to the wall by the incredibly talented Quill Harrison, one of the Capital Region’s very own. For years, the Albany Parking Authority has been reimagining how we experience downtown, using public art to infuse the city with energy and color. I want to extend a huge thanks to PaintCare for their unwavering support of creative expression, sustainability, and community partnerships. This mural is more than just a stunning welcome to downtown—it’s a reminder of what’s possible when we come together with purpose and creativity.”
Created by paint companies through the American Coatings Association, PaintCare was established to help manage leftover paint in states that enact paint stewardship laws. Following New York passage of its stewardship law in 2019, the organization now has more than 350 recycling drop-off sites across New York State, including over 50 within the Capital Region. To learn more about PaintCare and find a local paint drop-off site, visit: paintcare.org/NY.
About Albany Parking Authority
The Albany Parking Authority is responsible for managing parking in The City of Albany, NY, including on-street meters and several garages and surface lots centrally located near Albany’s greatest attractions like the MVP Arena, the Palace Theatre, and the Egg. For nine years, the Albany Parking Authority has partnered with multiple community organizations and over 30 artists to grow their public art collection with the focus on improving walkability and economic development within New Yorks Capital City.
About PaintCare
PaintCare is committed to making it easy and convenient for households, businesses, and institutions to recycle postconsumer (leftover) paint in states with paint stewardship laws. A nonprofit organization created by paint companies, PaintCare sets up drop-off locations for leftover paint, arranges for recycling and proper disposal, and conducts public education. More than 77 million gallons of paint, stain, and varnish have been managed by PaintCare in 10 states and the District of Columbia.
Media Contacts:
Hannah Vattikonda, The Martin Group: 585-506-8324
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paintcare-and-albany-parking-authority-unveil-new-mural-at-quackenbush-garage-302522484.html
SOURCE PaintCare
CNH brand New Holland was present at the 137th edition of Argentina’s Expo Rural with the revamped FR 650 harvester. This product is developed to deliver the highest productivity, quality and operational efficiency on the market.
The new FR 650 offers users the possibility of incorporating the NutriSense system, which allows precise information on forage quality to be obtained. In addition, it has the MetaLoc metal detection system that improves safety during work and the IntelliFill III system that increases the accuracy and efficiency in filling the trailer, allowing the operator to focus exclusively on the harvesting task. Its new engine delivers better performance with lower fuel consumption, together with a Power Cruise system and new ECO engine management mode, which allow greater operational efficiency, delivering the highest available capacity at all times.
Another highlight of the new FR 650 is the renewed, more spacious and soundproofed cab, which includes a new 12.1″ IntelliView IV monitor and updated commands. It offers a superior on-board experience, thanks to equipment that allows the operator to work in a comfortable space during long working days.
Read the full story here.