PHOENIX, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VertexOne, a leading provider of cloud software designed to revolutionize the customer experience within the energy and utility industry, is making a strong impact at this week’s 49th annual IUCX Conference (formerly CS Week). The company officially launched its new engagement engine, VXconnect, Tuesday, while actively contributing to the industry dialog through a series of expert-led sessions focused on digital transformation, inclusion, and behavioral engagement throughout the week.

“Through the sessions we’ve led, the dialogs we’ve started, and with VXconnect, we’re helping reimagine what’s possible.” – Paige Besson, Chief Marketing Officer at VertexOne

VXconnect, introduced on the conference’s opening day, is a modular, scalable SaaS solution designed to help energy and utility providers modernize their digital touchpoints to transform customer experience, scale effortlessly for growth and innovation, and improve operational agility and financial performance.

“IUCX is where our industry’s customer experience leaders come together to shape what’s next,” said Paige Besson, Chief Marketing Officer at VertexOne. “We’re not just launching a product – we’re inviting the industry to change the conversation and think differently about what experience can be. Through the sessions we’ve led, the dialogs we’ve started, and with VXconnect, we’re helping reimagine what’s possible.”

VertexOne Thought Leadership on the IUCX Stage

VertexOne experts participated in multiple sessions at IUCX 2025, highlighting practical strategies for digital transformation, customer inclusion, and behavioral engagement:

Innovative Approaches to Reaching Vulnerable Customers
On Tuesday morning, Mary Jo Nye, VertexOne Business Development Director, participated in a panel on technology-driven strategies for enhancing equitable outreach during times of operational and economic strain.

Data-Driven Personalization: Transforming Water Conservation Through Enhanced Customer Engagement
On Wednesday, VertexOne Vice President of Sales, Mike Sommers, joined Tina Sleeper, the City of Tempe Public Works Department’s Water Resource Manager, on stage to share how targeted analytics and customer engagement are advancing Tempe’s long-running water conservation efforts.

Beyond Passive Consumption: Strategies for Driving Active Customer Participation
Also on Wednesday, Mark Brown Vice President of Product Strategy, took to the stage in an interactive speaking session on proven strategies for empowering utility customers through personalized messaging, proactive communication, and gamified engagement techniques.

Throughout the conference, VertexOne’s team is hosting live demonstrations of the newly unveiled VXconnect. Attendees experiencing firsthand how the next-generation customer engagement engine’s unified, modular, and scalable approach enables more personalized, efficient, and cost savings for energy and utility operations.

IUCX stands as the premier educational and networking conference for utility professionals across North America and globally. The event provides comprehensive learning opportunities across the utility customer experience lifecycle, including Billing & Payments, Contact Center, Credit & Collections, Digital Engagement, Field Services, and Strategies & Analytics.

About VertexOne
VertexOne is the leading provider of cloud-based SaaS solutions, powering the next generation of customer experience for utilities, energy retailers and energy transition providers. With more than 30 years of experience and 400 customers in the cloud, we capitalize on our deep expertise to provide a wide range of innovative solutions for digital transformation, revenue optimization and data-driven efficiency operations surrounding the customer. We empower our clients to deliver a compelling customer experience, reduce costs to serve, increase operational efficiency and improve customer satisfaction. For more information on how VertexOne allows you to enhance the digital customer experience, improve revenue management and leverage data analytics, visit vertexone.ai

MEDIA
Lynn Steinberg
VertexOne
lynn.steinberg@vertexone.net

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SOURCE VertexOne

TULSA, Okla., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ONE Gas, Inc. (“ONE Gas”) (NYSE: OGS) announced today that it plans to make a public offering of 2,500,000 shares of its common stock. In connection with the offering, ONE Gas intends to enter into a forward sale agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, referred to in such capacity as the forward purchaser. In connection with the forward sale agreement, the forward purchaser or its affiliate, acting as forward seller, at ONE Gas’ request, expects to borrow from third parties and sell 2,500,000 shares of ONE Gas’ common stock to the underwriter in the offering in connection with the forward sale agreement described below.  As part of the offering, ONE Gas intends to grant to the underwriter an option to purchase up to 375,000 additional shares of ONE Gas’ common stock. If such option is exercised, ONE Gas may, in its sole discretion, enter into an additional forward sale agreement with the forward purchaser with respect to such additional shares, and ONE Gas currently expects that, if such option is exercised, it will do so.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as the sole underwriter for the offering and proposes to offer the shares of common stock from time to time for sale in one or more transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market, through negotiated transactions or otherwise at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

Pursuant to the terms of the forward sale agreement, ONE Gas will agree to sell to the forward purchaser or its affiliate (subject to ONE Gas’ right to elect net share or cash settlement of the forward sale agreement) 2,500,000 shares of ONE Gas’ common stock (or 2,875,000 shares if the underwriter’s option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full and ONE Gas elects to enter into an additional forward sale agreement with respect to such exercise, as described above), at a price per share equal to the price at which the underwriter purchases the shares from the forward seller. Settlement of the forward sale agreement is expected to occur no later than December 31, 2026.

ONE Gas will not initially receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of its common stock by the forward seller or its affiliate, unless an event occurs that requires ONE Gas to sell its common stock to the underwriter in lieu of the forward seller borrowing and selling shares of ONE Gas’ common stock to the underwriter. Although ONE Gas expects to settle the forward sale agreement entirely by the full physical delivery of shares of its common stock in exchange for cash proceeds, ONE Gas may elect cash settlement or net share settlement for all or a portion of its obligations under the forward sale agreement. If ONE Gas elects to cash settle or net share settle the forward sale agreement, ONE Gas may not receive any proceeds from the issuance of shares, and ONE Gas will instead receive or pay cash (in the case of cash settlement) or receive or deliver shares of its common stock (in the case of net share settlement). ONE Gas intends to use any net proceeds received for general corporate purposes, which may include repayment or refinancing of debt, working capital, construction and acquisition expenditures and investments.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The offering of these securities may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to this offering.

The public offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement that has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). A preliminary prospectus supplement related to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website. In addition, copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus relating to the shares of ONE GAS’ common stock being offered may be obtained by contacting: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.

ONE Gas is a 100% regulated natural gas utility, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States. 

Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, ONE Gas provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 2.3 million customers in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Its divisions include Kansas Gas Service, the largest natural gas distributor in Kansas; Oklahoma Natural Gas, the largest in Oklahoma; and Texas Gas Service, the third largest in Texas, in terms of customers.

Some of the statements contained and incorporated in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements relate to, without limitation, the offering (including size and proceeds, if any, and use of proceeds), our anticipated financial performance, liquidity, management’s plans and objectives for our future operations, our business prospects, the outcome of regulatory and legal proceedings, market conditions and other matters. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following discussion is intended to identify important factors that could cause future outcomes to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements include the items identified in the preceding paragraph, the information concerning possible or assumed future results of our operations and other statements contained or incorporated in this news release identified by words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “should,” “goal,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “could,” “may,” “continue,” “might,” “potential,” “scheduled,” “likely,” and other words and terms of similar meaning.

One should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are applicable only as of the date of this news release. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Those factors may affect our operations, costs, liquidity, markets, products, services and prices. In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with the forward-looking statements, factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statement include, among others, the following:

  • our ability to recover costs, income taxes and amounts equivalent to the cost of property, plant and equipment, regulatory assets and our allowed rate of return in our regulated rates or other recovery mechanisms;
  • cyber-attacks, which, continue to increase in volume and sophistication, or breaches of technology systems that could disrupt our operations or result in the loss or exposure of confidential or sensitive customer, employee, vendor, counterparty or Company information; further, increased remote working arrangements have required enhancements and modifications to our information technology infrastructure (e.g. Internet, Virtual Private Network, remote collaboration systems, etc.), and any failures of the technologies, including third-party service providers, that facilitate working remotely could limit our ability to conduct ordinary operations or expose us to increased risk or effect of an attack;
  • our ability to manage our operations and maintenance costs;
  • changes in regulation of natural gas distribution services, particularly those in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas;
  • the economic climate and, particularly, its effect on the natural gas requirements of our residential and commercial customers;
  • the length and severity of a pandemic or other health crisis, which could significantly disrupt or prevent us from operating our business in the ordinary course for an extended period;
  • competition from alternative forms of energy, including, but not limited to, electricity, solar power, wind power, geothermal energy and biofuels;
  • adverse weather conditions and variations in weather, including seasonal effects on demand and/or supply, the occurrence of severe storms in the territories in which we operate, and climate change, and the related effects on supply, demand, and costs;
  • indebtedness, which could make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions, limit our ability to borrow additional funds and/or place us at competitive disadvantage compared with competitors;
  • our ability to secure reliable, competitively priced and flexible natural gas transportation and supply, including decisions by natural gas producers to reduce production or shut-in producing natural gas wells and expiration of existing supply and transportation and storage arrangements that are not replaced with contracts with similar terms and pricing;
  • our ability to complete necessary or desirable expansion or infrastructure development projects, which may delay or prevent us from serving our customers or expanding our business;
  • operational and mechanical hazards or interruptions;
  • adverse labor relations;
  • the effectiveness of our strategies to reduce earnings lag, revenue protection strategies and risk mitigation strategies, which may be affected by risks beyond our control such as commodity price volatility, counterparty performance or creditworthiness and interest rate risk;
  • the capital-intensive nature of our business, and the availability of and access to, in general, funds to meet our debt obligations prior to or when they become due and to fund our operations and capital expenditures, either through (i) cash on hand, (ii) operating cash flow, or (iii) access to the capital markets and other sources of liquidity;
  • our ability to obtain capital on commercially reasonable terms, or on terms acceptable to us, or at all;
  • limitations on our operating flexibility, earnings and cash flows due to restrictions in our financing arrangements;
  • cross-default provisions in our borrowing arrangements, which may lead to our inability to satisfy all of our outstanding obligations in the event of a default on our part;
  • changes in the financial markets during the periods covered by the forward-looking statements, particularly those affecting the availability of capital and our ability to refinance existing debt and fund investments and acquisitions to execute our business strategy;
  • actions of rating agencies, including the ratings of debt, general corporate ratings and changes in the rating agencies’ ratings criteria;
  • changes in inflation and interest rates;
  • our ability to recover the costs of natural gas purchased for our customers and any related financing required to support our purchase of natural gas supply;
  • impact of potential impairment charges;
  • volatility and changes in markets for natural gas and our ability to secure additional and sufficient liquidity on reasonable commercial terms to cover costs associated with such volatility;
  • possible loss of local distribution company franchises or other adverse effects caused by the actions of municipalities;
  • payment and performance by counterparties and customers as contracted and when due, including our counterparties maintaining ordinary course terms of supply and payments;
  • changes in existing or the addition of new environmental, safety, tax, cybersecurity and other laws or regulations to which we and our subsidiaries are subject, including those that may require significant expenditures, significant increases in operating costs or, in the case of noncompliance, substantial fines or penalties;
  • the effectiveness of our risk-management policies and procedures, and employees violating our risk-management policies;
  • the uncertainty of estimates, including accruals and costs of environmental remediation;
  • advances in technology, including technologies that increase efficiency or that improve electricity’s competitive position relative to natural gas;
  • population growth rates and changes in the demographic patterns of the markets we serve in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas, and economic conditions in these areas;
  • acts of nature and naturally occurring disasters;
  • political unrest and the potential effects of threatened or actual terrorism and war;
  • the sufficiency of insurance coverage to cover losses;
  • the effects of our strategies to reduce tax payments;
  • changes in accounting standards;
  • changes in corporate governance standards;
  • existence of material weaknesses in our internal controls;
  • our ability to comply with all covenants in our indentures and the ONE Gas Credit Agreement, a violation of which, if not cured in a timely manner, could trigger a default of our obligations;
  • our ability to attract and retain talented employees, management and directors, and any shortage of skilled-labor;
  • unexpected increases in the costs of providing health care benefits, along with pension and postemployment health care benefits, as well as declines in the discount rates on, declines in the market value of the debt and equity securities of, and increases in funding requirements for, our defined benefit plans; and
  • our ability to successfully complete merger, acquisition or divestiture plans, regulatory or other limitations imposed as a result of a merger, acquisition or divestiture, and the success of the business following a merger, acquisition or divestiture.

These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other factors could also have material adverse effects on our future results. These and other risks are described in greater detail in our filings with the SEC, including in Part 1, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or change in circumstances, expectations or otherwise.

Analyst Contact:

Erin Dailey

918-947-7411

Media Contact:

Leah Harper

918-947-7123

 

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SOURCE ONE Gas, Inc.

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS), a leading provider of flow control products and services for the global infrastructure markets, has released its 2024 ESG Report highlighting The Power of Purpose. The report shares how Flowserve’s operational framework, the Flowserve Business System, is enabling progress in its ESG focus areas of Climate, Culture and Core Responsibility, while working in tandem with its 3D growth strategy to help achieve the enterprise and sustainabil

As of 24 February, at least 11 of the 18 states in Sudan were simultaneously experiencing three or more outbreaks of different diseases, such as cholera, dengue, malaria, measles, and diphtheria.

In March 2025, approximately 300,000 people in Kosti, White Nile – one of the states experiencing a severe cholera outbreak – were at risk of cholera. As cholera surged across Sudan – reaching up to 400 daily cases in Kosti City alone – Action Against Hunger, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, launched a rapid, targeted response. In just one month (Dec 2024–Jan 2025), we reduced suspected cases by 47% and brought deaths from 33 to zero. Thanks to swift action, lives were saved – but the crisis is far from over.

Wider global funding cuts from key donors like the U.S. and EU are stretching humanitarian resources across Sudan. While our cholera response drew on other funding sources, these cuts are placing immense pressure on the entire humanitarian system—making it harder to prepare for the fast-approaching rainy season and respond to future outbreaks.

***

Action Against Hunger works in White Nile, Blue Nile, South Kordofan, and Central Darfur. Despite difficult security conditions, our teams continue to provide food assistance, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene services, as well as cash-based interventions for food and agricultural items. Last year, our health and nutrition interventions reached over 180,000 people and supported 44 health facilities and 7 hospitals. An estimated 24.8 million people are in need of assistance with hundreds of thousands facing famine-like conditions. The crisis has been compounded by the civil war, which erupted in April 2023 and has devastated infrastructure, health services, agricultural land, and access to clean water and sanitation services.

BRAMPTON, ON, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — 55H, a rapidly growing data infrastructure platform backed by Grain Management, welcomed Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown to its flagship data centre on May 6 to highlight its ongoing expansion and the region’s critical role in powering Canada’s digital future. The visit, held in collaboration with operating partner CORE Data Centres, showcased 55H’s purpose-built, high-performance facility and its alignment with Canada’s broader technology and sustainability goals.

The day began with a conversation between the Mayor’s office, the CORE team, and 55H leadership, including Ted Manvitz, Chairman of 55H, and Bill Henneberry, owner of CORE Data Centres. The discussion explored 55H’s differentiated approach to digital infrastructure, including Grain’s investment philosophy, the facility’s AI-optimized architecture, and the long-term economic and social value data centres bring to local communities—enhancing connectivity, catalyzing job creation, and supporting educational and civic infrastructure.

“Data infrastructure is the foundation of our digital economy, and it’s exciting to see companies like 55H making long-term investments right here in Brampton,” said Mayor Patrick Brown. “Their focus on clean energy, cutting-edge technology, and alignment with Canada’s AI vision reinforces Brampton’s role as a key driver of technology innovation.”

The Brampton facility tour highlighted 55H’s innovative design, with 5MW of clean, hydro-sourced power coming online this summer and a significant expansion underway to deliver up to 20MW of total IT capacity. The Mayor and his team engaged actively throughout the visit, asking insightful questions about infrastructure resilience, renewable energy strategy, and regional growth potential.

“We’re seeing accelerating demand from AI-centric organizations that require scalable, energy-efficient infrastructure,” said Ted Manvitz. “Beyond technical capabilities, data centres like 55H create broader ecosystems that support economic development, enhance public services, and lay the groundwork for long-term digital innovation.”

The visit underscored 55H’s commitment to infrastructure excellence, community investment, and alignment with public policy initiatives aimed at attracting global technology capital to Canada.

55H continues to position Brampton—and the broader Greater Toronto Area—as a competitive and innovation-ready hub for the next generation of digital infrastructure.

Photos from the visit, including Mayor Patrick Brown, the City of Brampton team, Ted Manvitz, and Bill Henneberry, have been shared in a LinkedIn post

About 55H

55H is a leading provider of data center solutions, committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure and services to meet the diverse needs of businesses in Canada and beyond.

About Core Data Centres Inc.

Core Data Centres Inc. specializes in the management, consulting and operation of advanced data center facilities, offering clients reliable, scalable, and sustainable solutions to support their critical IT infrastructure.

Media Contact

Grain Management Public Relations

PR@graingp.com

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SOURCE 55H

Industry’s most competitive summer immersion program for graduate students will place a record number of students at best-in-class funds

NEW YORK, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Impact Capital Managers (ICM), the leading association of private capital fund managers investing for superior returns and meaningful impact, is proud to announce the sixth cohort of the Mosaic Fellowship, its flagship talent and leadership development initiative that launches careers in impact investing and cultivates a skilled, diverse future workforce. This year, 26 outstanding graduate students will take roles as summer associates at 25 ICM member funds–the largest number of Fellows and host funds ever.

To kick off the Fellowship, ICM will convene students for an intensive two-day orientation in New York City that features panels and workshops with Mosaic alumni, GPs, LPs, and top academic instructors, followed by a capstone networking reception. As they commence their summer associate roles, Fellows are also paired with a uniquely matched mentor from ICM’s member network to provide additional support, guidance, and career connections throughout the Fellowship and beyond.

Over ten weeks, Fellows gain hands-on experience in impact investing, including sourcing, diligence, portfolio company support, and other core aspects of the field. They also take advantage of tailored networking opportunities to build their professional profile and community in the field.

Each year, a growing number of Fellows transition into full-time roles at leading impact funds, underscoring how the program not only develops emerging talent but also delivers lasting value to firms. To date, 41% of Mosaic alumni have accepted full-time roles at ICM member funds, with a further 29% taking their new skills into jobs in impact and sustainable finance at name-brand firms outside the ICM network.

These placement rates reflect Mosaics’ instrumental role in building a high-caliber talent pipeline of future impact investors and the brand strength of the program and network. ICM funds and other leading firms that have hired Mosaic alumni include Ecosystem Integrity Fund, Builders Vision, Closed Loop Partners, Apis & Heritage Partners, HCAP Partners, Clean Energy Ventures, TruStage Wealth, and SustainVC, among others.

“The Mosaic Fellowship is a catalytic force in advancing both talent diversity and mission alignment within impact investing,” said Ted Dillion, Chief Operating Officer at Clean Energy Ventures. “At CEV, we’ve witnessed how Mosaic Fellows bring intellectual rigor, fresh insight, and a deep commitment to our firm—so much so that we’ve hired a Mosaic Fellow into a full-time investment role and are entering our fourth year participating in the program. This program doesn’t just develop emerging leaders; it fortifies the connective tissue of the impact ecosystem.”

Since its launch, the Mosaic Fellowship has experienced rapid growth – from under 50 applicants in its inaugural year in 2019 to over 500 applicants in 2025. After this summer, over 100 Fellows will have graduated from the program. The growth of the program has been fueled in large part by word of mouth and the positive experiences of alumni.

“The Mosaic Fellowship was a game changer for my career,” said Fernando Carranza, former Mosaic Fellow and current Venture Investor at Cleveland Avenue, an ICM member fund. “Mosaic didn’t just open a door – it gave me the confidence and clarity to walk through it with purpose.” Carranza continues to give back to the program by serving as a mentor for incoming Fellows and sharing his career advice during orientation.

“In 2024, we saw an almost two-fold increase in applications to Mosaic, and 2025 will be the largest-ever cohort of Fellows since the start of the program six years ago,” said Marieke Spence, Executive Director at Impact Capital Managers. “Clearly, demand from the world’s brightest students for experiential learning programs like Mosaic is growing, and demand from top funds for that talent continues, even in the midst of market volatility. If you’re curious about what the future of investing looks like: watch this space, and follow this talent.”

About Impact Capital Managers: Impact Capital Managers is a network of private capital fund managers investing for superior financial returns and meaningful impact, with a mission to accelerate the performance of its members and to scale the private capital impact investing market with integrity and authenticity. Membership is by invitation only. Today, the network includes 140+ funds collectively representing more than $70 billion in impact-focused capital. ICM is a 501(c)6 organization with an affiliated 501(c)3, the ICM Institute. For more information, visit impactcapitalmanagers.com.

Press Contact:
Kamal Cheema, Analyst, Communications & Policy
kcheema@impactcapitalmanagers.com

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SOURCE Impact Capital Managers

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

The Aflac Duck has been a beloved icon for 25 years, consistently making a big splash in commercials with its quirky personality and memorable quacks. With each new ad, the Aflac Duck charms audiences and reinforces — with a friendly, fun twist — the company’s message that Aflac helps close the financial gap where health insurance ends and out-of-pocket expenses begin.

The Aflac Duck shoots; it scores!

In Aflac’s latest commercial, “Duck Dunk,” the Aflac Duck knows how to rise to the occasion. The commercial includes a brilliant twist: a cleverly hidden Easter egg featuring Allisha Gray’s 2024 All-Star Weekend prize money check from Aflac — a nod to the company’s dedication to promoting women’s sports by supplementing the prize money, ensuring WNBA Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest winners received the same $55,000 payout as their NBA counterparts. And what’s more? Aflac recently renewed the partnership in 2025.

The spot features an all-star lineup, including Coach Staley; ESPN and SEC Network analyst and WNBA reporter Andraya Carter; and Allisha Gray, guard for the Atlanta Dream and two-time WNBA All-Star.

Watch as the Aflac Duck dunks on the out-of-pocket-expenses related to a health event with an assist from Coach Staley.

When the gap is too big, there’s one duck who can help. 

When off the court, the Aflac Duck can be seen performing daring feats as a stunt double in another new commercial, “Stunt Duck.”

We wanted to create something that not only entertained, but opened people’s eyes to a real problem,” said Garth Knutson, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Aflac. “We used humor to shine a light on how Aflac steps up to help close a gap. Whether it’s a surprise hospital bill or a wellness visit, Aflac can help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover.”

Watch as the Aflac Duck steps in and effortlessly tackles a different kind of gap. 

Get help with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover with Aflac. Learn more about Aflac Supplemental Insurance at Aflac.com.

Coverage is underwritten by Aflac. In New York, coverage is underwritten by Aflac New York.

WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2500101A, Z2500101B, Z2500101C

EXP. 5/26

  • Qualifying nonprofits can request one-time funding up to $15,000
  • Grants will support workforce education and training programs

CINCINNATI, May 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Duke Energy and its foundation today announced a $150,000 grant funding opportunity for southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky nonprofit organizations that address the region’s workforce development training needs.

Duke Energy Foundation will be funding requests that bolster workforce development training for jobs vital to the energy industry as well as trades and training programs for the most pressing workforce development needs in Duke Energy’s Ohio/Kentucky service territory.

“Funding these workforce initiatives is just one way Duke Energy helps build talent pipelines to power our regional economy for years to come,” said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky. “These grant recipients strengthen our communities with job training, academic support and community services, helping to boost our economy and ensure our neighborhoods can thrive.”

Qualifying nonprofits providing workforce development training can request funding from Duke Energy Foundation for a one-time grant of up to $15,000 to help with capacity building of their educational programming. The application window closes on Wednesday, April 30.

“Duke Energy Foundation has a long history of giving back to communities we serve,” said Kim Vogelgesang, Duke Energy Foundation manager for Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. “Being able to support our region’s workforce needs is our way to help maintain vibrant communities.”

Nonprofit organizations can confirm their qualifications and apply at duke-energy.com/workforce.

Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. 

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 Ohio/Kentucky

Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides electric service to 920,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, and natural gas service to 560,000 customers in Ohio and Kentucky.

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

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For more than a decade, Rick Mendoza had been fully enjoying his kidney transplant. From hikes to mowing the lawn to attending his daughter’s school and sporting events, his transplant let him experience all of the simple pleasures in life. That was until his kidneys started to fail again in 2022.

“I thought to myself, ‘This cannot be happening. Not again. Not already,’” said Rick.

The Gift of Life: Kidney Donation

Back in 2010, Rick’s kidneys started to fail for the first time, sending him into a state of depression and confusion. Thankfully, he didn’t let it keep him down for long. Rick knew if he wanted to get better, he would need to search for a new kidney. His search didn’t take him very far, leading him to his sister-in-law, Sharla Mendoza.

Despite her fear of needles and other health anxieties, Sharla decided that she needed to help her brother-in-law. In 2011, she donated her kidney to Rick, bringing the family even closer together.

“Don’t burn the bridges with your in-laws because you never know,” Rick joked. “My sister’s gift allowed me to [experience] those 12 years fully alive.”

With over a decade of life lived with his new kidney, Rick didn’t expect to slow down at any point — let alone in his 50s.

Unfortunately, Rick’s started to fail once again in the summer of 2022.

The Impact of Kidney Failure

More than 23%1 of kidney transplant recipients experience graft failure by the five-year mark, and that number rises to about 35%2 by 10 years.

“We had just finished a family vacation and there were some signs. Lack of energy, weakness, headaches. I knew something was wrong,” said Rick.

Individuals on the waitlist are more susceptible to mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders 3. Living with a chronic illness like chronic kidney disease can also lead to self-isolation, worsening the symptoms of mental health conditions.

“Rick is so outgoing. He’s such a people person. He always wants to be doing something outdoors or with others,” said Michelle Mendoza, Rick’s wife of over 30 years. “It was hard to see him lose some of that light when his kidneys started to fail again.”

Despite his uphill battle, Rick has no intention of giving up on finding a new kidney or giving his connection to his vast community.

“Rick is motivated to try again. Some people aren’t as motivated to start looking for a second transplant, but he is,” said Tamara Polk, a registered nurse at DaVita Littleton. “I’m so happy he’s pushing forward. Even if it’s hard.”

Despite being back on dialysis appointments several times a week, Rick takes full advantage of his treatment time, connecting with patients and care team members to pass the time and stay social.

“I like to stay engaged! It makes those four hours go by faster,” said Rick. “Chatting with people helps me feel human.”

He does more than just engage with his fellow patients during treatment, too. From volunteering with the National Kidney Foundation to creating his own transplant search website, Rick is staying active in the chronic kidney disease (CKD) community.

“[Working with NKF] has fully improved his mood. It’s brought life back into him,” said Haley Mendoza, Rick’s daughter and NKF Kidney Walk fundraiser. “Finding passion through something he’s been struggling with. Finding and helping people who are struggling has really helped him.”

Not Ready to Give Up

Today, Rick spends his time looking toward the future while cherishing his connections in the present. While he’s planning out his future of travel and outdoor activities with his family, he remains focused on his mission of finding a new kidney and encouraging others in his situation to do the same.

“It’s one day at a time. We do what we can, and we stay positive and connected with one another. We are looking toward the future,” said Michelle.

With the support of his loved ones and care team, Rick remains hopeful about his chances of finding a second kidney.

“It is possible to find a second transplant,” said Tamara. “Other people have found success. Just keep working towards it. Keep doing everything you’re supposed to keep doing. You never know when you will get the call for a new kidney.”

1 Long-term kidney transplant graft survival—Making progress when most needed Poggio, Emilio D. et al. American Journal of Transplantation, Volume 21, Issue 8, 2824 – 2832 https://www.amjtransplant.org/article/S1600-6135(22)08680-4/fulltext

2 Health Resources and Services Administration (2018, January 1). OPTN/SRTR 2017 Annual Data Report: Kidney. The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR). https://srtr.transplant.hrsa.gov/annual_reports/2017/Kidney.aspx#KI_76_tx_adult_GF_DD_5yr_diag_1_b64

3 Grzyb, C., Du, D., Mahesh, B., & Nair, N. (2024). Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Transplant Waitlist, VAD, and Heart Transplant Patients: A TriNetX Database Analysis. Journal of clinical medicine, 13(11), 3151. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13113151

CINCINNATI, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A field of 243 top young spellers will converge on National Harbor, Maryland, from May 27-29 to compete in a historic Scripps National Spelling Bee. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the iconic American competition, which was first held on June 17, 1925, with just nine participants.

“Reaching 100 years is more than a milestone – it’s a testament to the enduring power of words, learning and the human spirit,” said Corrie Loeffler, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. “For a century, this competition has brought people together through eras of profound change – from world wars to the digital age – and still, the Bee continues to inspire excellence, curiosity and connection. It’s a living piece of American history, and we’re honored to celebrate its legacy.”

This year’s 243 national qualifiers advanced through local and regional bees that took place through the end of March. All rounds of this year’s national competition – preliminaries, quarterfinals, semifinals and finals – will take place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

Highlights of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee field:

  • The spellers range in age from 8 to 14.
  • Only 53 spellers return from the 2024 field and 178 spellers – 73% – are competing in their first Scripps National Spelling Bee.
  • Only one 2024 finalist advanced to the 2025 national competition: Faizan Zaki, who finished second last year behind Bruhat Soma following his record-breaking spell-off.
  • Tarini Nandakumar is competing in her fifth consecutive Scripps National Spelling Bee. She was a finalist and finished ninth in 2023. Navtaj Singh, Micah Sterling and Avinav Prem Anand are competing in their fourth straight national competition. Harini Murali is in her fourth Bee overall, as is Zaki.
  • There are spellers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Texas has the largest representation with 22 national competitors. California is next with 20, followed by Ohio with 15 and Illinois with 13. Florida and New York have 12 each.
  • There are 13 competitors from outside the 50 United States, representing the Bahamas, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Guam, Kuwait, Nigeria, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Here is the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee Media Guide.
Find more information on the national competitors at spellingbee.com.

Celebrating a 100-year tradition
The Bee has launched several 100th anniversary initiatives for both spellers and the public:

  • A historical microsite, capturing news, names and fun facts of the first 100 years of the Bee will launch in the coming weeks at history.spellingbee.com. Content will be added to the site, which will remain live after 2025.
  • A special limited-edition coffee-table book capturing 100 years of the Bee’s history will be published in August and is available for preorder at Bee100Book.com.
  • A museum-quality exhibit will be on display at the Gaylord during Bee Week, showcasing the Bee’s wealth of historical memorabilia, highlighting key milestones in the competition’s history and examining the Bee’s place in popular culture and the American experience.

The Bee on Scripps Networks (All times Eastern)
The 2025 broadcast/livestream of onstage competition follows this schedule (all times Eastern and end times approximate):

  • The preliminaries will be streamed on Bounce XL, Grit Xtra, Laff More and spellingbee.com from 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27.
  • The quarterfinals will be streamed on Bounce XL, Grit Xtra, Laff More and spellingbee.com from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28.

    Two-night ION special event:

  • The semifinals broadcast will air 8-10 p.m. on ION on Wednesday, May 28. (The live semifinals will be streamed on Bounce XL, Grit Xtra, Laff More and spellingbee.com from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. earlier that day.)
  • The finals will air live in primetime on ION from 8-10 p.m. on Thursday, May 29.

In addition to ION, the semifinals and finals will also air on Scripps’ other popular national entertainment networks, Bounce, Grit, ION Mystery and Laff, as well as its free, ad-supported streaming channels ION Plus, Scripps News, Bounce XL, Grit Xtra, Laff More and spellingbee.com. Scripps News will stream an encore of the semifinals on Thursday, May 29, from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. and the finals on May 29 from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Scripps Networks can be found free over-the-air as well as on cable, satellite and streaming platforms.

If you are watching the Bee over the air with an antenna,
check out Tablo, which allows you to record over-the-air programs.

The 2025 Bee also will celebrate three special recognitions:

  • 2025 Educator of the Year, presented by Teach For America: Nikki Montana, teacher leader at Edwin Forrest Elementary School in Philadelphia. Montana, who serves as the school’s bee coordinator, grew the school’s bee program from a sixth grade-level bee to a school-wide event that today includes students from grades 1-5.
  • 2025 Regional Partner of the Year: Akron Beacon Journal, which has remained a steadfast regional partner of the National Spelling Bee since its inception in 1925.
  • 2025 Regional Volunteer of the Year: Tom Wadsworth, pronouncer for the Regional Office of Education No. 47’s Spelling Bee in Sterling, Illinois, has helped prepare and inspire spellers for 43 years.

Introducing the “Beelieve” program 
In partnership with the Scripps Howard Fund, the Scripps National Spelling Bee has created a new fund to help increase access to the Bee at every level. The first year of the Beelieve program will focus on funding the participation of Teach For America schools interested in enrolling in the 2025-26 Bee program. The Bee and Fund received a $100,000 per year donation from the Adam R. Scripps Foundation for the next five years to support the Beelieve program and the Fund’s “If You Give a Child a Book …” campaign, which provides books to children at low-income schools across the U.S. This year, the Adam R. Scripps Foundation is also matching donations to both programs up to $500,000. Visit spellingbee.com/give to learn more about the program or to donate. 

For media covering the Bee:

  • Media can submit a request for credentials to cover the national competition in person at the Gaylord here.
  • Media interested in following the action remotely should contact media@spellingbee.com to receive updates during the competition.

Media contact: Becca McCarter, 513-410-2425, Rebecca.mccarter@scripps.com

About the Scripps National Spelling Bee:  
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program, having launched in 1925. By inspiring the exploration of words, the Scripps National Spelling Bee illuminates pathways to lifelong curiosity, celebrates academic achievement and enriches communities.
Visit spellingbee.com for more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is administered on a not-for-profit basis by The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating connection. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of more than 60 stations in 40+ markets. Scripps reaches households across the U.S. with national news outlets Scripps News and Court TV and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Grit, ION Mystery, ION Plus and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Its Scripps Sports division serves professional and college sports leagues, conferences and teams with local market depth and national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households. Founded in 1878, Scripps is the steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and its longtime motto is: “Give light and the people will find their own way.”

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SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company

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