Author: sHq_LoGiNz
Top Executive battles country’s largest retailer in court & on the front lines
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A historic, multimillion-dollar lawsuit has been filed in federal court, spearheaded by award-winning Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Top Executive Dr. Johné Battle, on behalf of himself and 75,000 Black and Brown workers against Dollar General Store – the nation’s largest brick-and-mortar retailer.
LANDMARK CASE POISED TO MAKE HISTORIC IMPACT ON DEI.
Unbeknownst to many, Tennessee-based Dollar General Store operates over 20,000 stores, employs approximately 170,000 workers and generated a whopping $40 billion in revenue last year. Dollar General is TWICE the size of Walmart & Target, COMBINED! The company faces allegations of systemic racial discrimination that has affected thousands of marginalized employees nationwide and costs the top executive, his job and millions in salary. With 75% of U.S. households living within a five-mile radius of a Dollar General store, the milestone case underscores the widespread impact of the company’s bias employment practices and is, by far, the most egregious in the wake of the country’s “anti-woke” climate and the recent attempts at dismantling racial equity. This groundbreaking case is poised to shine the brightest light, to date, on the DEI dilemma and its historic impact on inclusion in America.
“This is more than just a lawsuit; this is a pivotal, landmark moment in light of our country’s latest assault on DEI,” said Dr. Battle. “The egregious retaliation and inequities that I and so many others of color have faced, must be heard. The first casualty of war is the truth.”
The lawsuit challenges Dollar General’s alleged quiet, massive and multi-layered cover-up in its bigoted hiring, promotion and pay practices when comparing Dollar General’s employees of color to the company’s white workers. Battle has referred to it as a new age, cryptic “plantation-style” culture. In the midst of unfounded U.S. tariffs and a remarkable economic downturn, Dollar General is the ONLY company, quietly, thriving.
Civil rights leaders are organizing one of the LARGEST DEI marches and boycotts that will take place at Dollar General headquarters later this month in Nashville, TN.
ABOUT DR. JOHNÉ BATTLE
Award-winning, globally recognized DEI leader, advocate, and change maker with a decorated career in fighting for workplace equity and justice. More at bit.ly/drjohnbattle.
Contact: Tee Foxx, call/text 404.791.6525 | tfoxx@foxxentgroupinc.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/landmark-case-poised-to-make-historic-impact-on-dei-302423888.html
SOURCE Dr. Johné Battle
HOUSTON, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SPL Environmental, a leader in analytical laboratory testing, is proud to announce the addition of targeted dioxin testing for 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) to its suite of advanced, specialty laboratory services.
2,3,7,8-TCDD is the most toxic and well-studied of the dioxin compounds and is commonly monitored in regulatory and environmental compliance programs. By offering testing for this compound, SPL supports public water suppliers, wastewater treatment plants, industries, and environmental consultants in meeting stringent safety and environmental standards.
“Adding dioxin testing enhances our ability to provide high-quality data for clients managing contamination concerns and regulatory compliance,” said Andrew Parker, President, Environmental at SPL. “It’s another way we’re partnering with our customers, helping them navigate complex environmental requirements with confidence.”
While SPL is accredited to test 2,3,7,8-TCDD in drinking water, this service is also applicable to:
- Soil and sediment characterization
- Contaminated site assessments
- Waste characterization
- Industrial discharge monitoring
With a legacy of scientific excellence and a dedicated team of experts, SPL continues to expand its specialized testing capabilities to support public health, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.
For more information about Dioxin testing, or to request a quote, please visit www.spllabs.com.
About SPL
SPL is a leading provider of compliance and testing services for Environmental, Energy, and other end markets. Through our ISO and NELAP certified labs, verifiable test methods, and nationally recognized scientists SPL is dedicated to ensuring accurate and defensible data to our clients and communities. We provide best-in-class laboratory, metrology, and data management services, as well as access to data in real-time, to enable our customers to efficiently track and optimize their operations.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spl-now-offers-dioxin-testing-services-to-support-environmental-and-public-health-initiatives-302423846.html
SOURCE SPL, Inc.
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sierra Northern Railway (SERA) announced today at the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) conference in Denver, Colorado, that it successfully completed testing of the first four-axle hydrogen-fueled, zero-emission switching locomotive on March 27, 2025, in West Sacramento, California.
Kennan H. Beard III, President of Sierra Northern Railway stated, “This accomplishment marks another major milestone in Sierra’s mission to bring Hydrogen Powered Zero Emission Switcher Locomotives within commercial reach for the short line industry. Both in California and around the world.”
The demonstration of this Hydrogen Powered Zero Emission Switcher Locomotive was funded through a $4,000,000 grant to fund the design, integration, and demonstration of a hydrogen fuel cell switching locomotive from the California Energy Commission (CEC) and administered through GTI Energy.
“Sierra’s successful test proves that short lines can retire pre-tier 0 to tier 4 diesel locomotives and replace them with a Hydrogen Powered Zero Emission Switcher Locomotives using our advanced hydrogen powered units,” said Beard.
Demonstration and validation of Sierra Northern Railways Hydrogen Powered Zero Emission Switcher Locomotive establishes a platform for widespread commercialization in the immediate future. Short line and switching locomotives account for a significant share of the total locomotive energy use within the State of California as they carry a significant portion of freight in California and operate on the first and last miles of the national freight network. This makes short-line operations an excellent testbed for the demonstration of zero-emission technologies and a key to decarbonizing transportation emissions.
Video of this historic event can be found on Sierra Northern Railway (SERA) website: http://sierranorthern.com
This demonstration will start to facilitate the improvement of local air quality, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and odor for the communities that have a short line in their community. Most switcher locomotives in California use an average of approximately 50,000 gallons per year per switcher, potentially leading to a reduction of more than 12 million gallons of diesel per year. This is approximately equivalent to the same amount of fuel used each year by 20,000 light-duty vehicles.
“Sierra Northern Railway is proud that we will continue to lead the industry with low emission switching solutions as we continue to demonstrate that Sierra has achieved what the industry needs to convert to zero emission by integrating advanced hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen storage, advanced battery and systems control technologies to provide an alternative to less environmentally friendly diesel-powered locomotives.” stated Beard.
In addition to the funds received by the California Energy Commission, Sierra’s funding partners include: The Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality District, SoCalGas and the Low Carbon Resource Initiative. Project Partners include: GTI Energy, Velocity Strategies, Railpower Tech, WHA International, Inc., OptiFuel Systems, Ballard Power Systems, UC Riverside and Valley Vision.
Next Actions for Sierra Northern Railway
Sierra Northern Railway has already started the process to build three additional zero emission hydrogen fueled switching locomotive from funding it was awarded from the State of California, California State Transportation Agency, Port and Freight Infrastructure Project Funding through a public-private partnership with the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District. The total project cost will be approximately $19,500,000 to expand on its current efforts by developing, demonstrating, and testing three additional hydrogen-fueled, zero-emissions switcher locomotives. The testing will be conducted on the soon to be constructed test track in Sierra’s West Sacramento rail yard. When this project is completed in quarter four of 2027, it will expand the Sierra’s Hydrogen Zero Emission Switching Locomotive Fleet to a total of four locomotives and will help Sierra lead the way to eventually convert the entire Sierra fleet to hydrogen powered zero-emission switchers as well as all 260+ switchers in California to a Sierra Hydrogen Powered Zero Emission Switcher Locomotive.
Sierra Northern Railway (SERA): Sierra Northern Railway is the freight division of privately owned, Sierra Railroad Company. Sierra Railroad Company is also the principal owner of Sierra Energy Corporation, which has developed a proprietary waste- to- clean hydrogen technology: FastOx® gasification. Sierra Northern Railway currently operates approximately 75 miles of track in Northern California and 30 miles in Southern California through the heart of a number of the Golden State’s prime industrial areas, serving a wide variety of customers, and interchanging with both BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. http://sierranorthern.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sierra-northern-railway-successfully-tests-first-four-axle-hydrogen-fueled-zero-emission-switching-locomotive-302423855.html
SOURCE Sierra Northern Railway
After some time away from the field, the former River Plate football player, Leonardo Ponzio, continues to bet on Argentine agriculture with New Holland, a CNH brand.
He used the CR 7.90 IntelliSense combine harvester to produce corn hybrids, with outstanding yield potential in short cycles. On this occasion he achieved a great yield, exceeding 12,000 kg/ha in Las Rosas, Santa Fe.
Something that characterizes New Holland and Leo Ponzio is teamwork and the importance of family. “I put together a good coaching staff related to the field. My father and I meet to see what we are going to plant; my brother-in-law is my right hand and the one who is most involved in the day-to-day, and the agronomist, who makes decisions when it comes to planting,” said Ponzio.
Technology is one of the most important aspects that the footballer finds when working and choosing a machine: “We seek to incorporate more innovation to achieve greater precision and productivity in the field,” he said. New Holland shares Ponzio’s feelings and that is why the CR 7.90 IntelliSense harvester, with integrated artificial intelligence, is the favorite in Los Abuelos.
José Queiroz, Commercial Director, was present during the harvest and highlighted the brand’s key features: “In New Holland we reinforce our commitment in the search for greater efficiency and productivity in Argentine agriculture. That is why, in our factory in Córdoba we think and design innovative and connected products that meet the needs of our customers. We are proud to work with a great figure like Leo Ponzio and also each producer and contractor who chooses us year after year.”
BROOKFIELD, Wis., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bitcoin Mining World, a leader in bitcoin mining education and equipment sales, has announced Daniel Batten as a new shareholder and advisor. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the company’s innovation and professionalism within the Bitcoin mining industry. Batten, a ClimateTech investor and advocate for dispelling misconceptions about Bitcoin mining, will provide guidance and expertise over the next few years. His focus areas include coaching the executive team, promoting environmental sustainability, and advocating for the industry.
Batten’s prior experience as a business coach for Bitcoin Mining World last year helped align their visions for decentralized energy solutions and responsible mining practices. This formal partnership solidifies their shared mission.
“I’m excited to formalize my partnership with Bitcoin Mining World,” said Daniel Batten in a preliminary statement. “Our missions are aligned around driving innovative and climate-conscious solutions in Bitcoin mining. I look forward to supporting Bitcoin Mining World’s growth and continuing to dispel the myths and fears that too often surround this industry.”
Bitcoin Mining World has recently experienced growth, expanding its educational offerings, consulting services, and events like The Mining Conference. Batten’s support is expected to further enhance products such as the MasterMINED Club and Build-a-Mine Bootcamp, as well as expand the company’s reach among miners globally. Batten’s work on Bitcoin‘s environmental and human rights benefits will strengthen the company’s public narrative.
“Daniel’s deep knowledge of Bitcoin mining and proven track record in shifting the narrative around sustainable energy solutions make him an invaluable addition,” said Scott Offord, Founder and CEO of Bitcoin Mining World. “By combining our commitment to professionalizing the mining industry with Daniel’s advisory and outreach, we hope to set a higher standard for transparency and innovation in this space.”
Bitcoin Mining World specializes in helping entrepreneurs and traditional business owners enter the Bitcoin mining sector. They offer education, media, events, consulting, and equipment sales, with a focus on integrating Bitcoin mining into existing business verticals through power generation and creative heat reuse applications.
Daniel Batten is also the co-founder of CH4 Capital and a leading figure in financing Bitcoin mining operations on landfills. He is known for addressing environmental and human rights concerns related to Bitcoin and his work has significantly influenced public perceptions of bitcoin mining worldwide.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements regarding potential company growth and future business endeavors.
Media Contact: press@bitcoinminingworld.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bitcoin-mining-world-welcomes-daniel-batten-as-shareholder–advisor-302423807.html
SOURCE Bitcoin Mining World
- License extension supports growing energy demand, helps keep customer costs as low as possible
CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Duke Energy announced today its submission of a subsequent license renewal application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for Robinson Nuclear Plant, located near Hartsville, S.C. The application requests extending the plant’s operations for an additional 20 years.
The Robinson Nuclear Plant, which began commercial operation in 1971, has been a cornerstone of Duke Energy’s commitment to providing secure and reliable electricity to its customers. The plant’s continued operation is vital to meeting the growing energy needs of communities in the Carolinas while keeping costs as low as possible. In 2004, Robinson’s license was renewed for an additional 20 years of operation until 2030. The subsequent license renewal would continue operations until 2050.
“Renewing Robinson’s operating license for a second time is a critical step in our commitment to providing reliable, always-on, cost-competitive power for our customers,” said Kelvin Henderson, senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. “This extension will allow us to continue supporting our company’s energy transformation and contributing to the local economy for decades to come.”
Nuclear energy remains a critical component of Duke Energy’s diverse energy mix, supplying more than half of the electricity consumed by its Carolinas customers. The Robinson Nuclear Plant alone contributes significantly to this output, generating about 759 megawatts of carbon-free electricity.
“Though the first nuclear plant to enter commercial operation in the southeast, Robinson is a modernized plant fully prepared for operations into midcentury,” said Laura Basta, site vice president of the Robinson Nuclear Plant. “We’ve invested approximately $1.7 billion into capital upgrades to our facility to enhance safety and efficiency.”
In addition to providing clean energy, the Robinson Nuclear Plant plays a significant role in the local economy, offering well-paying jobs and contributing to the tax base. The plant’s license renewal will ensure the continuation of these benefits for the surrounding communities. The federal nuclear production tax credit also incentivizes our existing plants to operate as cost-efficiently as possible, further lowering the cost of nuclear energy for our customers.
Through the years, Robinson has earned industry recognition for its commitment to innovation, including receiving several Top Innovative Practice Awards from the Nuclear Energy Institute. These investments ensure Robinson Nuclear Plant is equipped with modern, efficient components to support continuous operations, providing low-cost electricity and increased grid reliability for our customers.
U.S. nuclear facilities are licensed by the NRC and were originally licensed to operate for 40 years based on economic considerations, not limitations of the technology. The process to renew a license requires a comprehensive analysis and evaluation to ensure the plant can safely be operated for the period of extended operation.
The NRC recently approved the subsequent renewal of Duke Energy’s three-unit Oconee Nuclear Station in Seneca, S.C., and the company intends to request subsequent license renewal for all 11 operating reactors in the nuclear fleet. For background and updates on the subsequent license renewal process, visit Duke Energy’s subsequent license renewal webpage.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
Contact: Patrick Flynn
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duke-energy-seeks-to-renew-operating-license-for-robinson-nuclear-plant-for-another-20-years-302423745.html
SOURCE Duke Energy
Albertsons Companies has received the prestigious CIO 100 2025 Award for Sincerely Health; an all-in-one wellness hub integrated with our banner apps. Sincerely Health encourages shoppers to eat well, live better and in turn, feel great, while rewarding healthy choices with grocery coupons and discounts.
The CIO 100 2025 Award recognizes organizations and IT teams that use technology in innovative ways to deliver business value, enable growth or enhance customer relationships. Congratulations to the leaders and teams whose hard work and dedication to the well-being of our communities made this achievement possible.
Learn more about the CIO 100 here.
Learn more about Sincerely Health here.
See the original post on LinkedIn and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.
NORTHWEST, Ind., April 8, 2025 /3BL/ – Tandem Global and bp International announce a 4-year Biodiversity Restoration project with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Division of Nature Preserves and the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department (LCP) to restore and conserve the critically rare Southern Lake Michigan Dune and Swale ecosystem. The project is funded by a $1.5M grant from bp, which aims to support biodiversity where we operate including collaborating with others to support selected biodiversity restoration projects.
“Our job is to be a responsible and safe refinery operator,” said Chris DellaFranco, the VP of Refining of bp’s Whiting Refinery in Northwest Indiana. “That responsibility starts with respecting the area and communities where we operate. bp is proud to be part of the northwest Indiana community and is committed to being a good partner.”
This four-year project will focus on the restoration of the Great Lakes Dune and Swale ecosystem, designated as Indiana State Nature Preserves, within the cities of Hammond, East Chicago, and Gary, Indiana. This Northwestern Indiana Coastal Lake Michigan watershed area encompasses more than 700 species of native plants and 200 bird species, including globally rare habitats and several endangered and threatened species of plants, insects, and birds. Over the past century, the Dune and Swale ecosystem, which originally covered the entire south end of Lake Michigan, has been reduced to approximately 900 acres (364 hectares) of isolated and fragmented parcels. These parcels range in size from 170 acres (69 hectares) to as little as 5 acres (2 hectares) and support a diverse array of flora and fauna.
Key efforts funded by the grant include ecological restoration, habitat restoration and invasive species control across fragments owned and managed by the IDNR and LCP containing black oak savannas, sand prairies, sedge meadows and Grand Calumet River wetlands will include flora and fauna monitoring stations. These and other ecological and community actions will increase native plant diversity and improve climate resilience.
Community engagement is a major component of the project. It will bring together biodiversity stakeholders and allies from various sectors to create a positive impact on biodiversity on both the ecosystem and the community. This includes involvement with local schools, scouts, and other groups, as well as consultations and planning for the sustainability of our efforts.
“This bp funded Biodiversity project brings together community, conservation, and industry to restore rare habitats in Northwest Indiana,” said Daniel Goldfarb, Director of Social Impact/Ecosystem Restoration at Tandem Global. “It’s an important investment by bp that Tandem Global is proud to lead, preserving biodiversity near the bp Whiting Refinery and other local industries.”
Added Craig Zandstra, Superintendent of Planning & Natural Resources at the Lake County Parks and Recreation “The Dune and Swale ecosystem is one of the most ecologically interesting landscapes in our region, and this project is a major step in ensuring its long-term health and restoration. Through this partnership, we are not only revitalizing these critical areas but also deepening our Indiana community’s connection to the natural spaces that make our urban-industrial neighborhoods so unique.”
About Tandem Global
Tandem Global (formerly Wildlife Habitat Council and World Environment Center), provides the know-how and the network to move business and the environment forward, together. Across sectors and at all levels of its member organizations, Tandem Global works to facilitate long-term and lasting impact on all aspects of our natural world. Tandem Global connects leading thinking with practical solutions that positively impact climate, nature, and water. From field operations to boardrooms and beyond, corporate leaders turn to Tandem Global for impact strategies and resilient solutions that can support a better future. Tandem Global is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, USA, with locations across the U.S., in Latin America and Munich, Germany. For more information visit tandemglobal.org.
Burlington, Wash. and MONTRÉAL, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Pacific Woodtech Corporation (PWT) and Domtar are pleased to announce the long-term extension of their multi-year strategic distribution agreement that will secure their market position and provide a full bundle solution to customers. This partnership unites PWT’s industry-leading brand and customer reach with Domtar’s extensive raw material supply and premier I-joist manufacturing capabilities, ensuring a seamless supply chain from tree to finished product.
Under the agreement, Domtar will manufacture I-joists at its engineered wood facilities, which PWT will distribute under the PWT brand. This collaboration enables both companies to expand their market presence while providing customers with a comprehensive, high-quality EWP product portfolio.
“This partnership marks a significant step forward for both PWT and Domtar,” said Jim Enright, CEO of PWT. “By combining our strengths, we can offer a full bundle solution to our customers, supporting their growth while delivering the highest quality engineered wood products for the long term.”
“The extension of our strategic partnership with PWT marks a major milestone for both companies. By combining Domtar’s strategic access to quality fiber and state-of-the-art I-joist manufacturing expertise with PWT’s engineered wood products portfolio, distribution network, and technical know-how, we are uniquely positioned to be the partner of choice for our customers,” said Luc Theriault, President of Domtar’s Wood Products business unit.
This alliance underscores the shared commitment of PWT and Domtar to long-standing collaboration, ensuring that customers benefit from enhanced product availability, reliability, and service. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, the two companies are well-positioned to drive innovation and deliver superior engineered wood solutions to the market.
About PWT
PWT is a leading manufacturer of engineered wood products, committed to delivering high-quality solutions to its customers. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, PWT continues to set the standard in the industry. To learn more, visit www.pwtewp.com, or follow along on social media.
About Domtar
Domtar is a leading, privately held manufacturer of diversified forest products, with a workforce of about 14,000 employees in more than 60 locations across North America. The company has an annual production capacity of 9.1 million metric tons of pulp, paper, packaging and tissue, and approximately 3 billion board feet of lumber and other wood products. Formerly known as the Paper Excellence Group, Domtar is comprised of legacy businesses Paper Excellence, Domtar and Resolute Forest Products.
Domtar prides itself on operational excellence, delivering sustainable, high-quality and cost-effective products to meet and exceed customer needs globally. The company is committed to turning sustainable wood fiber into everyday essential products. For more information, visit Domtar.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pwt-and-domtar-announce-long-term-strategic-distribution-agreement-302423702.html
SOURCE PWT
