Verizon

Foreign Language Academy in Kansas City builds student confidence through adaptable, tech-forward lesson plans.

Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach Abigail Thompson collaborates with colleagues at Foreign Language Academy, teaching them how to implement Verizon Innovative Learning HQ lesson plans in their classrooms using available technology. Photo credit: Nicole Bissey

When Abigail Thompson joined Foreign Language Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, as the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach, she made it her personal mission to inspire teachers and students with technology and share ways that classroom tech could reshape learning.

“I had already been a teacher in Kansas City Public Schools, and I was really interested in technology and how it’s best used in the classroom,” Thompson says. “I like that I still get to work with kids in some capacity, but I love that I get to help other teachers be great.”

In her role, Thompson has helped teachers successfully implement lesson plans from Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, which offers free to all educators more than 450 tech-based lessons, created by partners like McGraw Hill, Discovery Education and Arizona State University. The lesson plans cover subjects from game design to biology and beyond.

Occasionally, Thompson finds an appealing lesson plan that suggests using a tool or app that the school doesn’t have. “The reality is maybe we don’t always have that exact resource,” she says. But because the lesson plans on Verizon Innovative Learning HQ lay out exactly what is needed for each course of study, Thompson says she easily finds smart substitutions. “Exploring what tools we have and can utilize instead has been big for us,” she says.

One of the most popular Verizon Innovative Learning HQ resources at Thompson’s school, for example, is the Stop-Motion Animation lesson, which gives students a fun, hands-on way to be creative while learning core STEM principles. The lesson plan recommends using the Stop Motion Studio app, but Thompson found a substitute app already available on school tablets with the same capabilities.

Students find the technology both easy-to-use and engaging. “After I take all the pictures, I go to the app where you can edit and add effects,” says fifth grader Gabriela. “I feel like I’m learning when I use it. You’re expanding your brain to learn about editing photography and video together.” The lesson also teaches physics (understanding motion and gravity), engineering (designing sets and props) and math (measuring time and frame rates).

Thompson said another lesson plan that’s a favorite across all grades levels is Emoji Design, which recommends using a graphic design software program that the school doesn’t own. Thompson identified five alternate applications that worked with the material, however, giving students several options for creating their designs.

The resulting emojis are as different as the students are. Kevin, a sixth grader, made a sports-themed emoji to symbolize his love of soccer and basketball; eighth grader Maria Jose taught herself how to create a gradient background to use in her design.

The flexibility of the lesson plans on Verizon Innovative Learning HQ brings creative energy to the classroom, giving students the freedom to explore and innovate during lessons, which in turn builds their confidence. For some lesson plans, the students can choose which tools they will use to complete their work, and students will make selections based on their own interests and comfort level. “One of the kids got so excited about [a popular music production app],” says Thompson. “He said, ‘I’m really good at keeping beats, so I’m working in percussion.’ I just love that.”

Having agency and authorship of their learning experience gives the students the confidence to develop new skills. “Using technology for creation rather than consumption in the classroom is so important,” Thompson says. “It helps students see technology as a tool and gives them so many options to show who they are and what they know. Creating choice has given voice to the students. It helps them gain both knowledge and confidence, so I just think that’s awesome.”

The students think it’s awesome, too. “We integrate our own ideas into our work,” says Gabriel, a seventh grader.

Leo, also in seventh grade, puts it more simply: “The lessons are more fun.”

Tim Nash, a STEM and robotics teacher, says that his students are repurposing skills they learned in the Verizon Innovative Learning HQ lessons and bringing them to other subjects. “We have a journalism class that does weekly video announcements using [readily available video production apps],” Nash says. “It’s something new that we’re doing, because the kids now know how to use the tools in ways that can be implemented outside of the classroom.”

Those video announcements are shared school-wide. And, as Nash points out, it’s “pretty cool” that middle-school students are stepping into these kinds of roles, inspired to branch out and apply what they’ve learned in real-life scenarios.

For her colleagues, meanwhile, Thompson fosters ongoing creative usage of Verizon Innovative Learning HQ lessons at the school by sharing resources, lesson examples and project ideas with teachers, partly through a monthly newsletter and partly through one-to-one calls with her co-workers. And just like their students, the teachers are taking the ball and running with it, with creative and engaging results. “The teachers see the resources and take them and they make them their own,” she says.

Verizon Innovative Learning is a key part of the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all. As part of the plan, Verizon has an ambitious goal of providing 10 million youth with digital skills training by 2030. Educators can access free lessons, professional development, and immersive learning experiences to help bring new ways of learning into the classroom by visiting Verizon Innovative Learning HQ.

HOUSTON, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Savion Equity, LLC, a subsidiary of Shell plc, and a fund managed by the Ares Infrastructure Opportunities strategy (Ares), today announced the formation of Tango Holdings, LLC (Tango), a joint venture that will manage 496 megawatts of Savion-developed solar projects in Ohio, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Indiana. Savion is transferring majority ownership of five solar assets into this joint venture.

This transaction reflects Shell’s strategy to selectively develop renewable generation projects and reduce ownership as they mature, enabling the company to build scale efficiently, improve capital returns, and maintain cost discipline. Shell plans to continue developing other onshore renewable power generation assets through Savion’s development pipeline.

“The investment by Ares is a testament to Savion’s success building and operating assets that deliver renewable power to key energy markets in the USA,” Greg Joiner, Executive Vice President for Power at Shell, said.  “Launching Tango with a strategic investment partner like Ares will allow us to maximize value of our power generation portfolio as we continue to build a more focused, competitive and adaptive business.”

Tango is jointly owned by Ares (80%) and Savion (20%) with equity interests in the Martin County Solar Project, the Kiowa County Solar Project, and in three additional solar projects currently under construction. Savion will serve as the managing member with Shell Renewable Asset Management International overseeing asset management of the projects.  

This deal is structured to simultaneously sign and close, with an immediate effective date.

Notes to editors 

  • This transaction represents 496 MW of Savion’s 3,049 MW solar and energy storage assets under construction, in operation, or under contract.
  • Savion, founded in 2019, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Savion develops large-scale solar and energy storage projects across 28 states. 
  • Shell Renewable Asset Management International is responsible for safely operating and maintaining Shell’s power generation assets by leveraging technical, commercial, and regulatory expertise.
  • Ares Management Corporation is a leading global alternative investment manager with approximately $546 billion of assets under management, as of March 31, 2025. The Ares Infrastructure Opportunities team is a market leader in private infrastructure investing.

Cautionary Note

The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this press release “Shell”, “Shell Group” and “Group” are sometimes used for convenience to reference Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ”Subsidiaries”, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this press release refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms “joint venture”, “joint operations”, “joint arrangements”, and “associates” may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties.  The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

Forward-Looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”; “ambition”; ”anticipate”; “aspire”, “aspiration”, ”believe”; “commit”; “commitment”; ”could”; “desire”; ”estimate”; ”expect”; ”goals”; ”intend”; ”may”; “milestones”; ”objectives”; ”outlook”; ”plan”; ”probably”; ”project”; ”risks”; “schedule”; ”seek”; ”should”; ”target”; “vision”; ”will”; “would” and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks, including climate change; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including tariffs and regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, and a significant cyber security, data privacy or IT incident; (n) the pace of the energy transition; and (o) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc’s Form 20-F and amendment thereto for the year ended December 31, 2024 (available at www.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this press release and should be considered by the reader.  Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, July 28, 2025. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Shell’s net carbon intensity

Also, in this press release we may refer to Shell’s “net carbon intensity” (NCI), which includes Shell’s carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers’ carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers’ carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell’s NCI also includes the emissions associated with the production and use of energy products produced by others which Shell purchases for resale. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the terms Shell’s “net carbon intensity” or NCI is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.

Shell’s net-zero emissions target

Shell’s operating plan and outlook are forecasted for a three-year period and ten-year period, respectively, and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next three and ten years. Accordingly, the outlook reflects our Scope 1, Scope 2 and NCI targets over the next ten years. However, Shell’s operating plan and outlook cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target, as this target is outside our planning period. Such future operating plans and outlooks could include changes to our portfolio, efficiency improvements and the use of carbon capture and storage and carbon credits. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell’s operating plans and outlooks to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.

Forward-Looking non-GAAP measures

This press release may contain certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures such as adjusted earnings and divestments. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside the control of Shell, such as oil and gas prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future periods which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are calculated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied in Shell plc’s consolidated financial statements.

The contents of websites referred to in this press release do not form part of this press release.

We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this press release that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC.  Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, and any amendment therto, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shell-subsidiary-savion-to-streamline-five-us-solar-projects-through-joint-venture-302515152.html

SOURCE Shell

Co-produced by Live Nation Urban, ONE Musicfest Features Additional Appearances by Clipse, Jazmine Sullivan, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Ari Lennox, Busta Rhymes, Wale, Carl Thomas, Chief Keef, Greg Street & Friends with Plies, Trick Daddy, Project Pat, Rich Kidz, Trinidad James, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Jagged Edge, Marvin Sapp, Mike Clark Jr., Organized Noize, Tweet, Lloyd, Pleasure P, Ray J, Sammie, Bankroll Ni, Bobby V, Boosie, Cupid, DJ Smooth, Rasheeda, KenTheMan, Flippa T, FLO, Tonio Armani, Ray Vaughn, Yakiyn, and Odeal

ATLANTA, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The South’s most significant cultural moment is set. ONE Musicfest (OMF), presented by P&G, the largest Black-owned, open-air, multi-stage festival in the nation, returns to Atlanta’s Piedmont Park (1071 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA) with one of its most powerful lineup yet paying tribute to the city’s musical legacy, cultural influence, and creative spirit. Celebrating its 16th annual festival, OMF continues its reign as a global celebration of Black excellence, artistry, and unity. Co-produced by Live Nation Urban, ONE Musicfest will take place over two days on Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26.

Please find the ONE Musicfest ticketing information, and full lineup on our website.

This year’s festival promises once-in-a-lifetime performances including historic Atlanta-centric moments reflecting the heart of the culture:

HEADLINERS & ICONIC CELEBRATIONS

  • Future Atlanta’s own takes center stage for a rare, hometown headlining performance.
  • Dungeon Family Reunion Honoring Rico Wade — The Dungeon Family reshaped Southern hip hop and helped position Atlanta as a global music capital through their innovative sound and collective creativity. As a founding member of Organized Noize, Rico Wade—alongside Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown—helped craft the South’s most iconic records and launched the careers of Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Future.
  • The Roots with Mary J. Blige — The legendary Roots Crew return to OMF after a decade, joined by Mary J. Blige, the Queen of Hip Hop Soul for her OMF debut.
  • Ludacris & Friends — Marking 25 years of Ludacris’ debut album, the ATL icon headlines with a celebratory set full of special guests and surprise performances.
  • Doechii — The breakout star of the year, boasting a BET “Best New Artist” Award, a Grammy® nomination, and a No. 1 urban radio hit, makes her OMF debut.

THE FULL LINEUP

In alphabetical order:

803 Fresh, Ari Lennox, Bankroll Ni, Bobby V, Boosie, Busta Rhymes, Carl Thomas, Case, Chief Keef, Clipse, Cupid, DJ Smooth, Flippa T, FLO, Greg Street & Friends (Plies, Project Pat, Rich Kidz, Trinidad James, Trick Daddy), Havoc of Mobb Deep, Jagged Edge, Jazmine Sullivan, KenTheMan, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Lloyd, Marvin Sapp, Mike Clark Jr., Odeal, Organized Noize, Pleasure P, Rasheeda, Ray J, Ray Vaughn, Sammie, Tonio Armani, Trick Daddy, Trinidad James, Tweet, Wale, Yakiyn

Atlanta is our home, and this year we’re celebrating it in the biggest way possible — with Future, Ludacris, and a historic Dungeon Family Reunion honoring the life and legacy of Rico Wade, a true giant in hip hop,” said Jason “J.” Carter, Founder of ONE Musicfest. “ONE Musicfest has always been about uniting legends, elevating new voices, and creating unforgettable cultural moments. While we’re paying tribute to Atlanta’s legacy, this year’s lineup reflects the richness and diversity of Black music and culture from across the globe.”

As an alumnus of Ebony Magazine’s Power 100, OMF has a significant annual economic impact of more than $61 million. The festival employs over 5,000 people annually, comprising event staff, production crews, security personnel, hospitality staff, vendors, and artists. OMF powers Atlanta’s creative economy, supports Black-owned businesses, and fosters partnerships that last beyond festival weekend. It’s more than a festival — it’s a cultural engine for Atlanta and the global community.

This year’s festival will host Toyota, Hennessy, Teremana and more top tier brands.

ABOUT ONE MUSICFEST

ONE Musicfest (OMF) is the nation’s largest Black-owned, open-air, multi-stage music festival, attracting over 100,000 diverse music lovers from all over the country. Founded by veteran event producer, Jason “J” Carter in Atlanta, OMF celebrates Black music and culture with iconic performances that have included Future, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Pharrell, The Dungeon Family, Usher, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Doechii, A$AP Rocky, Ludacris, The Roots, Jill Scott, and many more. Generating over $61 million in annual economic impact, the festival supports hundreds of local businesses, with more than half of them being Black-owned, and employs more than 5,000 people each year. OMF expanded with the launch of TwoGether Land Festival in Dallas, Texas, extending its mission to unify and uplift Black communities through music, community building, and shared experience. 

Learn more at www.onemusicfest.com.

Creative assets here.

ABOUT LIVE NATION URBAN

Live Nation Urban (LNU) remains North America’s preeminent producer of concert experiences, festivals, and platforms headlined, curated, and owned by black talent. Operating in partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, the company sets the tone for culture with over a dozen sought-after festival brands such as The Roots Picnic, Broccoli City, Exodus Music & Arts Festival, ONE Musicfest, Strength of a Woman, and more.

Beyond their captivating live events, Live Nation Urban has established themselves as key social architects in black culture with their innovative initiatives that include Juneteenth: A Global Celebration (broadcast on CNN), Kerry Washington’s THICKER THAN WATER book tour, and a special Hip-Hop 50 event at the home of Vice President Kamala Harris in addition to tours by artists such as Ari Lennox, Babyface, Kirk Franklin, Lil Wayne, Davido, Charlie Wilson, Jeezy, Jagged Edge, LL Cool J, Jill Scott, Coco Jones, Jodeci, RuPaul, and Raphael Saadiq. The LNU-produced “A Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop” special garnered a nomination at the NAACP Image Awards for “Outstanding Variety Show.” Live Nation Urban continues to grow across hip-hop, R&B, soul, and gospel as the most trusted purveyor of live urban music. Learn more about Live Nation Urban at https://livenationurban.com/.

Socials:
Twitter: @onemusicfest #onemusicfest #OMF2025
Instagram: @onemusicfest #ONEMusicfest
Facebook: Facebook.com/ONEMusicfest
Website: onemusicfest.com

For more information, contact:
ONE Musicfest
Tresa Sanders: tresa@tre-media.net
Daylan Cole: daylan@tre-media.net 

Live Nation Urban
Carleen Donovan: carleen@theoriel.co
Drew Ingall: drew@theoriel.co

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/one-musicfest-presented-by-pg-returns-with-monumental-2025-lineup-a-cross-generational-celebration-of-black-music-featuring-atlanta-icons-future-dungeon-family-reunion-honoring-rico-wade-and-ludacris-alongside-global-powerho-302515220.html

SOURCE ONE MusicFest

VOLO, Ill., July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Volo Museum, world renowned for its collection of famous and one of a kind vehicles, is unlocking its vault to offer collectors a rare opportunity: a once in a lifetime chance to own the only known real Barbie car in the hands of the public.

 

This official Barbie Pink Convertible, a custom Cadillac built by Disney and used at Walt Disney World in Orlando from 1990 to 1998, is going to auction with no reserve, alongside dozens of other iconic, unusual, and downright bizarre museum pieces. The seven day online auction begins August 1 and ends August 7, and anyone with an eBay account can bid.

Originally painted white and featured in parades as Cruella de Vil’s DeVille, the Cadillac was later repainted in Barbie’s signature pink and became the ride of the world’s most iconic doll. It also saw use by Miss Piggy during its time at Disney.

What makes this Barbie car truly special is its provenance. It is not a fan build, but a documented Disney show vehicle, complete with Disney registration showing a VIN in Walt Disney’s name, as well as internal documentation and email correspondence outlining how it was used in park productions. This makes it both a Barbie collectible and a Disney collectible, a rare cross category gem for serious fans and collectors.

“This is the only one of its kind available to the public,” said Brian Grams, director of the Volo Museum. “You will never find another Barbie car like this with official Disney registration and documented park history.”

The Barbie Cadillac is just the crown jewel of a truly eclectic lineup that includes:

  • A 14 foot tall 8 passenger running and driving hot rod shopping cart
  • A street legal larger than life Radio Flyer Red Wagon
  • Britney Spears’ personal Mercedes Convertible, once deemed the most dangerous car in Los Angeles
  • A 45 foot tall 12 passenger Ferris wheel from the 1940s
  • Dozens of rare antique kiddie rides and Americana themed showpieces

“These items have delighted hundreds of thousands of guests,” said Grams. “But we are always evolving. Letting these go makes room for new treasures and gives others the chance to enjoy and preserve them.”

All items will be sold at no reserve, meaning they will go to the highest bidder regardless of price. Preview the full auction catalog, with new items being added daily, at volocars.com.

Media Contact:
Brian Grams
Director, Volo Museum

Phone: 305-781-0606
Email: brian@volocars.com
Website: https://www.volocars.com

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/barbie-pink-convertible-built-by-disney-up-for-grabs-at-no-reserve-auction-302515189.html

SOURCE Volo Auto Museum

FREDERICK, Md., July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On Thursday, July 24, 72 students experiencing homelessness were recognized for completion of the New Horizons Academy at Governor Thomas Johnson High School (GTJHS). The program is run by the Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership (SHIP) of Frederick County in partnership with Frederick County Public Schools.

“I am so proud of these students and their dedication to reaching graduation. Every year I am inspired by the number of teenagers living in such difficult circumstances who choose to spend their summer in school with us. Every young person who completed this year’s summer program is walking away one credit closer to completing high school, a few life skills closer to achieving financial independence, and $4,000 closer to a college education. To see a 100% successful completion rate for more than 70 students is a true testament to the value of this partnership between SHIP and Frederick County Public Schools.” – Melissa Muntz, Executive Director, SHIP of Frederick County.

The New Horizons Academy is a five-week program that provides an opportunity for youth experiencing housing instability to receive academic and life skills instruction. Students receive credit for courses required to graduate and are awarded a $600 stipend for completing the program, eliminating the need to choose between working and attending summer school. All students graduating from the program also receive a $4,000 scholarship to Hood College. This scholarship is granted to them each year they attend the New Horizons Summer Academy. The program is open to all students experiencing homelessness attending Frederick County Public High School in the fall of 2025.  

According to the US Department of Education, there are over 1.5 million public school students nationwide who experience homelessness each year. As of July 2025, there were over 1,000 youth experiencing homelessness enrolled in Frederick County Public Schools. SHIP works to improve the lives of Frederick County’s most vulnerable youth who are experiencing homelessness, helping them to achieve stability before entering adulthood. Those who do not graduate from high school are 3.5 times more likely to experience homelessness as adults. Providing students with the tools and resources needed to reach high school graduation is key to ending adult homelessness in the Frederick community. 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/72-students-experiencing-homelessness-graduate-from-summer-academy-302515171.html

SOURCE SHIP of Frederick County

RADNOR,Pa., July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pardee Resources Company (OTC: PDER) (the “Company”) reports that its subsidiary, Pardee Renewable Energy LLC, recently agreed to invest $15.2 million in a 90% equity interest in four renewable energy partnerships that intend to install new solar photovoltaic systems (solar PV systems) with a total capacity of 4.6 MW on the rooftops of nine public schools located in Roanoke, Virginia. The investment will be financed, in part, with commercial bank loans at the partnership level, in the amount of $8.3 million, and qualifies for federal investment tax credits which will be utilized by the Company. The solar PV systems are scheduled to be installed and placed in service during Q4 2025. “Pardee is excited to partner with Secure Solar Futures, a Virginia based solar developer, on this renewable energy investment and looks forward to adding these solar PV systems to our Alternative Energy Division’s portfolio” said Carleton P. Erdman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

In addition to historical statements, this press release contains statements relating to future events and our future results. These statements are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these forward-looking statements represent our judgments and future expectations concerning our business, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from our expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to, difficult economic conditions and other risks and uncertainties. As a result, these forward-looking statements may turn out to be incorrect. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any obligation to) update or alter these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pardee-resources-company-solar-pv-investment-302515103.html

SOURCE Pardee Resources Company

  • Nation’s first national sports card shop franchise calls on attendees of 2025 National Sports Card Convention to support its “Replay Gives Back” campaign
  • Donations to support local Chicagoland youth charitable organizations
  • Attendees can also experience live sports card breaks at the Replay booth

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Replay Sports Cards (“Replay”) – America’s first national franchise dedicated exclusively to the hobby – is going all-out at the 2025 National Sports Card Convention (July 30-Aug. 3) at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., to spread the joy of collecting.

Supporting Chicagoland Youth

Throughout the convention, attendees can visit the Collectors Lounge to support the company’s bold goal: collecting 1 million sports cards to donate to over 40,000 children, ensuring the magic of card collecting reaches those who may otherwise be left out. Replay will donate all cards collected to local youth-focused organizations, such as Boys & Girls Club of Chicago and Noah’s Arc Foundation, among others.

“The excitement of opening a pack of cards is timeless, and Replay Gives Back is our way of sharing that joy with kids who’ve never had the chance,” said Brent Schepel, co-founder of Replay. “It’s about inclusion, generosity, and building the future of the hobby, one card – and one child – at a time. We built Replay Sports Cards to be a place where collectors feel like family. At The National Sports Card Convention, we’re excited to welcome everyone – from diehard collectors to curious first-timers – and leverage the opportunity with this incredible audience to help us do something meaningful.”

Spreading Joy Through Cards

Founded with a mission to cultivate community and inclusion in the hobby, Replay’s leadership sees the Gives Back initiative as more than a charity drive.

“Sparking that sense of wonder in a kid opening their first pack – there’s nothing like it,” said Mike Martin, co-founder of Replay. “We’re passionate about growing the hobby and making it more accessible. Too many children are priced out of collecting today, and we want to change that.”

Since launching the program in November 2024, Replay Sports Cards has taken in more than 1.5 million donated trading cards. The sports cards franchise sorts and packages all donations into 25-card packs, including 1-2 chase cards – making each pack brimming with the excitement that makes collecting sports cards so special. These card packs are then delivered to children nationwide through local and national community partnerships.

Replay encourages all attendees, collectors, and industry partners to support the campaign by bringing extra or unwanted cards to the National and helping spread the word. The Replay Gives Back card packs include everything from legendary brands like Upper Deck, Leaf, Topps and Panini to Pokémon.

Donations are also accepted year-round at any Replay Sports Cards shop or by mail.

The Replay Experience

In addition to helping reach the goal of donating 1 million cards to kids across the Chicagoland area, visitors will also get to experience live sports card breaks.

“We’re seeing a tidal wave of new interest in sports cards, and we built Replay to meet that wave with the infrastructure and innovation today’s collectors expect,” said Mike Weinberger, co-founder and president of franchising for Replay. “But none of it matters if we don’t bring new generations into the hobby. At its core, Replay Gives Back is about expanding access – so that no kid has to just watch from the sidelines. This moment at The National is a chance for the whole industry to come together and make a bigger impact.”

For more information about Replay Gives Back, visit replaysportscards.com/replay-gives-back. For those interested in making their mark in the growing trading card community, visit replaysportscards.com/franchise for more information.

ABOUT REPLAY SPORTS CARDS
Replay Sports Cards is the first-ever sports card shop franchise, offering a full-service experience that includes buying, selling, trading and grading. With three shops across the Southeastern U.S. and a strong presence at major card shows nationwide, Replay delivers an approachable, trustworthy environment for collectors of all ages and experience levels. The franchise is designed to make card collecting accessible, exciting, and meaningful, blending modern retail with a deep love for the hobby. Originally founded as One Stop Sports, Replay Sports Cards combines deep industry knowledge with a community-first mindset, both in-shop and through weekly livestreams on Whatnot (@ReplaySportsCards) and TikTok, (@ReplaySportsCards). To learn more, visit replaysportscards.com/.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/replay-sports-cards-aims-to-donate-1-million-cards-to-40-000-kids-in-chicago-area-302515072.html

SOURCE Replay Sports Cards

Celebrated voices Christian Martinoli and Luis García bring their signature style to U.S. Hispanic sports fans—now on demand

DALLAS, July 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — reVolver Podcasts, the leading multicultural audio network in the U.S., proudly announces the launch of Los Protagonistas, an exclusive podcast collaboration with TV Azteca. Featuring the electrifying commentary of Christian Martinoli and Luis García Póstigo, this dynamic show delivers passionate debate, expert analysis, and the most compelling moments from Mexico’s liguilla to sports fans across the United States.

With decades of combined experience, Martinoli and García have become household names for their unmatched chemistry, sharp insights, and humor that resonates with audiences. Now, for the first time, fans can enjoy their unfiltered takes and unique storytelling anytime, anywhere—whether reliving the drama of the playoffs or exploring behind-the-scenes stories from the world of fútbol.

With Los Protagonistas, reVolver Podcasts and TV Azteca are responding to the growing demand for high-quality sports content tailored to U.S. Hispanic audiences. The podcast offers listeners an authentic connection to the passion, drama, and culture of fútbol, blending humor, debate, and insider perspectives in every episode. Whether fans are following their favorite teams in Mexico or keeping up with regional rivalries, this podcast is the go-to destination for staying engaged with the sport they love.

“Los Protagonistas is more than a show; it’s where passion for the game meets personality. It’s a front-row seat to the voices that have defined how millions experience the beautiful game,” said Jack Hobbs, President of reVolver Podcasts. “We are thrilled to bring this iconic pairing to our listeners and deepen our commitment to serving the U.S. Hispanic sports community.”

About reVolver Podcasts
reVolver Podcasts is the leading multicultural, audio-on-demand content creator and distributor in the U.S. Home to Erazno y La Chokolata, El Show de Piolín, The Shoboy Show, Panda Show – Picante, and Don Cheto Al Aire, plus more than 70 additional programs spanning sports, music, finance, entertainment, lifestyle, health and wellness, inspiration, news, branded content, and live events, distributed across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Pandora, iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, also available in the reVolver Podcasts App on Roku streaming devices and at reVolverPodcasts.com. For more information about the company, visit www.revolverpodcasts.com.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/revolver-podcasts-and-tv-azteca-team-up-to-launch-los-protagonistas-podcast-302513694.html

SOURCE reVolver Podcasts

Mercedes-Benz Vans, LLC (Charleston, SC) recently assembled the five-millionth Mercedes-Benz AG Sprinter van — and it went to us! The all-electric eSprinter was assembled at the company’s facility in Charleston, South Carolina and handed over to FedEx, a long-standing Mercedes-Benz customer. The eSprinter, which is fully electric, joins our growing global fleet of electric vans used for last-mile package delivery. 

A cool thing about the eSprinter? It doesn’t produce any tailpipe emissions, which helps us work towards our goal of carbon-neutral operations by 2040.

Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program.

SEOUL, South Korea, July 28, 2025 /3BL/ — LG Electronics is expanding the global availability of its latest air-cooled Inverter Scroll Chiller, a next-generation HVAC solution that supports the worldwide shift toward lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants and sustainable technologies. The new model adopts R32 refrigerant, which has a GWP approximately 70 percent lower than R410A.

Designed as an inverter-driven heat pump system, the chiller delivers both chilled and hot water, making it suitable for mid-sized commercial buildings requiring reliable thermal management throughout the year.

Following initial launches in North America, Europe and South Korea, LG is continuing to expand the availability of the Inverter Scroll Chiller globally in 2025. One notable installation at Garden Grove Elementary School in Winter Haven, Fla., replaced an aging 60-ton unit with three LG Inverter Scroll Chillers. The school has since seen an 18 percent reduction in energy consumption along with quieter operation – also an important factor in its residential setting.

LG’s latest Inverter Scroll Chiller is “designed to deliver high energy efficiency and flexible system management, allowing customers to meet real-world HVAC demands with confidence,” according to LG Electronics ES Company President James Lee. “This system exemplifies LG’s commitment to providing high-performance, reliable solutions that offer long-term value while contributing to a more energy-efficient and sustainable future.”

High Energy Efficiency

Lee explained that the new Inverter Scroll Chiller is designed to provide exceptional energy efficiency under a variety of operating conditions. Powered by LG’s All-Inverter compressor, which operates across a wide frequency range (30Hz to 120Hz), it offers high performance and reduced energy consumption even under partial load.

LG’s proprietary HiPOR™ (High Pressure Oil Return) system enhances compressor efficiency by returning oil directly into the compression chamber, significantly reducing energy loss. As a result, the unit achieves an Integrated Part Load Value (IPLV) of up to 5.9.1 Select models also feature heat exchangers optimized for a broad water outlet temperature range, from 14 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, offering flexibility for diverse applications.

High Reliability for Year-Round Operation

The chiller is built to support dependable performance across seasons and climates. With twin All-Inverter compressors and vapor injection technology, the system maintains stable heating capacity even in extreme cold, modulating down to 20 percent load. In high ambient conditions, a refrigerant-cooled heat sink helps maintain operation at up to 126 degrees Fahrenheit offering a potential advantage over conventional air-cooled systems.

To support uninterrupted operation under demanding conditions, the system includes features such as compressor backup, intelligent control logic and sequential defrost. It also supports hot water output up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, contributing to hygienic operation in facilities such as spas, hotels and hospitals. For added durability in coastal or humid regions, the heat exchanger is treated with LG’s corrosion-resistant Black Fin coating.

Comprehensive and Resilient Control System

The chiller supports adaptable control options based on project size:

  • Small installations can use an intuitive 5-inch Human Machine Interface (HMI) touch panel for on-site control, with remote installation supported up to 500 meters.
  • Mid-sized projects benefit from LG’s ACP and AC Smart controllers, which support up to 10 units with features such as scheduling, input/output linkage and error tracking.
  • Larger applications are supported by the LG Building Energy Control (BECON) CPM platform, which can coordinate up to 30 chillers and manage auxiliary devices like pumps, valves and sensors to improve overall system efficiency.

An integrated energy-saving algorithm helps reduce power consumption by up to 10 percent,2 while an auto-recovery feature restores previous settings after a power outage to help minimize downtime. Features such as compressor backup and sequential defrost contribute to continuous operation during maintenance. The chiller also operates at a low noise level of 68dB, with a Silent Operation mode available for quieter performance during off-peak hours.

1 Test results based on ANSI/AHRI Standard 551/591. Actual performance may vary depending on operating conditions.

2 Test results based on internal test conditions and actual performance may vary depending on operating conditions.

# # #

About the LG Electronics Eco Solution Company

The LG Eco Solution Company (ES) offers advanced air conditioning solutions, including chillers, for diverse sectors and climates. Committed to exceptional HVAC performance, the LG ES Company aims to enhance indoor comfort and well-being with innovative air care products. Leveraging deep industry expertise, it offers digitalized HVAC solutions designed for better life. As a trusted partner, the company integrates cutting-edge technology into daily operations while offering ongoing support. For more information, please visit www.lg.com/global/business/hvac.

About LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA

LG Electronics USA’s Air Conditioning Technologies business is based in Alpharetta, Ga. LG is a leading player in the air conditioning market, manufacturing both commercial and residential air conditioners and building management solutions. From consumer and individual units to industrial and specialized air conditioning systems, LG provides a wide range of products for heating, ventilating, air conditioning, water heating, and building controls. Eleven-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year, LG Electronics USA (based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J.), is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., a smart life solutions company with annual revenues of more than $60 billion. For more information, please visit www.lghvac.com.

Media Contacts:

LG Electronics North America

John I. Taylor
+1 847 941 8181
john.taylor@lge.com

Kim Regillio
+1 815 355 0509
kim.regillio@lge.com

LG Air Conditioning Technologies USA

Joslyn Fagan
+ 1 404 388 3687
Joslyn.fagan@lge.com

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.