Consumers Energy Reaches Agreement to Sell 13 Michigan Hydroelectric Dams

Buyer Commits to Keeping Dams in Operation, Preserving Reservoirs and Benefitting Local Communities

JACKSON, Mich., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Consumers Energy today announced it has signed a purchase agreement to sell its 13 hydroelectric dams along five Michigan rivers to Confluence Hydro, an affiliate of Hull Street Energy, LLC. The decision will reduce long-term costs for Consumers Energy customers, ensure the dams will continue to operate safely and provide economic and recreational benefits for nearby communities.

“We believe a sale of the dams is the best path forward for our customers. This sale balances two important needs, to lower costs for Consumers Energy’s customers while continuing to care for communities that depend on the dams,” said Sri Maddipati, Consumers Energy’s president of electric supply. “After numerous conversations with community members over the last three years to gather insights and feedback, we are confident this sale will preserve the reservoirs that hold the key to economic, recreational and community benefits at each of the dams.”

Consumers Energy has agreed to sell the facilities to Confluence Hydro, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hull Street Energy. Hull Street Energy is an investment firm that has significant experience owning, operating and investing capital in power generation assets across North America, including 47 hydroelectric facilities.

“Safety has always been foundational to everything we do,” said Ed Quinn, Chief Executive Officer of Confluence Hydro. “With decades of experience operating hydro facilities, we are committed to preserving and modernizing these important resources to maximize their contribution to the grid. We deeply admire and respect the Consumers Energy team and the culture of safety and operational excellence they have built. We see extraordinary opportunity to leverage our combined strengths to build a best-in-class hydro company – one that protects communities, supports employees, mitigates risk, and delivers reliable, clean energy for the future.”

The sale will need approval from state and federal regulators and could take place in approximately 12 to 18 months. Under the agreement’s terms, Confluence Hydro will enter into a contract with Consumers Energy to provide power from the facilities for 30 years. The company plans to seek approval to renew the dams’ federal operating licenses, which are set to expire beginning in 2034.

The purchase agreement represents a milestone in a process that Consumers Energy started three years ago to explore the best options for the century-old dams. They could have been sold, decommissioned or remained in the energy provider’s portfolio of power sources.

Jean Kang, Consumers Energy’s vice president of generation operations, said the company was impressed by Hull Street Energy’s experience with other dams and commitment to safety that should allow it to own and operate the dams cost-effectively.

“Consumers Energy’s dams are a small part of our business, less than 1%, and our resources are best spent on needed investments in electric and natural gas reliability,” Kang said. “A buyer who has a focus on river hydro generation is better equipped to invest in these resources.”

Consumers Energy today notified its hydro operations employees of the sale. They will be offered jobs with Confluence Hydro. Consumers Energy will continue to own and operate the dams until the sale is complete.

Consumers Energy today also informed community members and will schedule meetings with each of the affected communities around each dam for this summer and fall. People should go to ConsumersEnergy.com/hydrofuture for updates and to learn more.

Clear Energy Brokerage & Consulting, LLC served as Consumers Energy’s deal advisor. Troutman Pepper Locke, LLP acted as the company’s transaction counsel.

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. 

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

Whole Foods Market Foundation Announces Nearly $500,000 to Partners Across Seven Countries to Fill Funding Gaps Through Its High Impact Program

AUSTIN, Texas, September 9, 2025 /3BL/ – Whole Foods Market Foundation announces nearly $500,000 in grants to support nine existing partners experiencing unexpected funding gaps through its annual High Impact Program, in partnership with the Kasperick Foundation. 

Since 2013, the Foundation’s High Impact Program has provided over $2.3 million to 32 organizations impacting over 84,000 people in 28 countries around the world. Through carefully selected partnerships with established organizations, this program ensures that vital community projects can continue without interruption. The High Impact Program not only prioritizes meeting partners’ current needs but also exemplifies the Foundation’s broader commitment to flexible, responsive funding that can swiftly adapt to their evolving challenges and opportunities. Learn more about each project below:

Action for Ocean | Tanzania

Action for Ocean (AFO) is a nonprofit committed to restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems, promoting environmentally friendly and economically competitive aquaculture, and enhancing sustainable fisheries. The $74,587 funds will enable AFO to continue their Coastal Livelihood Entrepreneurship for Adaptation and Resilience program, ensuring 225 women continue earning income through seaweed farming, accessing microloans, and building business skills.

Camino Verde | Peru

Camino Verde is a nonprofit organization advancing regenerative solutions to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and rural poverty in the Peruvian Amazon. Their $60,000 emergency support will allow Camino Verde to sustain all key operational needs for the Rosewood Farmer Livelihood Program, including essential activities with local farmers and securing the seeds and equipment necessary to sustain their growing programs on the ground.

Fresh Life | Kenya

Fresh Life seeks support to stabilize and strengthen their sanitation service operations in Kisumu, Kenya, where their model provides critical daily services to low-income residents. This $72,000 support will enable Fresh Life to sustain safe, reliable sanitation services for 20,000+ low-income residents in Kisumu, preventing disruptions across over 1,272+ Fresh Life Toilets in Kisumu alone. In addition, the funds will support the expansion of a waste processing and washing station. 

Futuro | Mozambique

Futuro supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individual entrepreneurs in Mozambique, while maintaining a strong focus on low-income individuals and community groups. Their $53,814 funds will be used to establish a new branch of Futuro to maximize outreach in Namialo and Meconta. This brand will be a full infrastructure branch designed to provide a spectrum of financial services. 

Fondo Mas | Mexico

The coffee-growing women of Chiapas, Mexico face structural barriers to accessing productive credit, with high levels of poverty, without formal guarantees, and with limited access to financial information. Their $33,000 funds will help Fondo Mas to reactivate and consolidate access to credit and training for 100 coffee-growing women in four regions, ensuring the continuity of a comprehensive strategy that promotes their financial inclusion. 

HIAS | Ecuador

The Socio-Economic Support Program (SESP) is HIAS’ poverty alleviation initiative, which supports displaced families in achieving self-reliance. Using their $65,000 project funds, HIAS will be able to continue their program supporting displaced families by offering financial support, case management, service referrals, early cash assistance to stabilize basic needs, and ongoing coaching from staff to build sustainable livelihoods. 

Skylight Ventures | United Kingdom

Skylight is a nonprofit organization providing interest-free micro loans to refugee entrepreneurs in the U.K., alongside financial literacy education and support. Their $44,012 project funds will directly replace a disrupted grant, enabling Skylight to set up a sustainable funding pathway and further develop their impact strategy. Skylight will also expand loan products to introduce an interest-bearing loan and offer financial literacy training to 200 refugee entrepreneurs. 

Swahili Honey | Tanzania

Swahili Honey is a social enterprise focused on supporting smallholder beekeepers to produce high quality honey and beeswax for both local and international markets. Their $22,239 funds will enable 300+ smallholder beekeepers to form 15 new Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups, enabling informal savings and access to credit, while also improving 3 existing honey collection centers to facilitate timely, fair, and digital payments for farmers. 

Upendo Honey | Tanzania

Upendo Honey is a social impact organic honey company based in Kigoma, Tanzania. The $75,000 support will be used to bridge part of this gap in the budget for their core activities to engage small-scale beekeepers, including organic certification for their products, distribution of buckets and other equipment to beekeepers, training, and technical field support.  

Since 2005, Whole Foods Market Foundation, has invested over $205 million supporting over 16,750 partner organizations and schools in 81countries around the world.

For more information, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org/funding-announcements. 

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ABOUT WHOLE FOODS MARKET FOUNDATION

Whole Foods Market Foundation works to nourish people and the planet by providing access to essential resources to improve nutrition and create opportunities for financial stability. The registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, based in Austin, Texas, encompasses the pillars of Whole Cities, Whole Kids and Whole Planet. For more information on the Foundation’s work, visit wholefoodsmarketfoundation.org. For ongoing news and updates, follow Whole Foods Market Foundation on FacebookInstagram,  or LinkedIn.

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From Olympic Glory to Community Impact: Sevran Will Welcome Paris 2024 Pool

International Olympic Committee news

In the heart of Seine-Saint-Denis, one of Paris’s youngest and most working-class departments where half of the 11-year-olds cannot swim, the legacy of Paris 2024 is set to benefit the local community. Sevran has inherited one of the most symbolic legacies from the Games: a 50-metre Olympic swimming pool that exactly one year ago was home to world-class athletes, including French swimming sensation Léon Marchand.

This pool, originally installed in the iconic Paris La Défense Arena to host Olympic swimming and water polo events, was the site of Marchand’s historic performance, earning four gold medals and a bronze medal, and setting multiple Olympic records. In January 2026, it will open its doors to the public in Sevran, complementing the current 25-metre municipal pool that has long served the local community.

While the existing pool welcomes between 70,000 and 90,000 visitors annually, the new facility is expected to more than double attendance, reaching up to 200,000 visitors per year, with a particular focus on schoolchildren. With this expansion, the pool will be able to welcome students across six consecutive school years, from kindergarten to year five.

“The Dive”, a short film by the IOC, features Ali Dhifallah, director and swimming instructor at the local pool in Sevran. As someone who almost drowned as a child, he highlights how this Olympic legacy goes far beyond providing new facilities to teach children to swim. For him, it’s a tool for empowerment.

At the moment, in some parts of Sevran only about 42 per cent of children can swim. So the fact that we can offer classes for a six-year age range is huge. It’s unique and will enable us to be much more efficient.

Ali Dhifallah Director and swimming instructor at the local pool in Sevran

“There are many children in Sevran who don’t go on holiday, and learning to swim will enable them to take part in water sports activities such as waterskiing and kayaking and out-of-town trips, which will help us reduce the gap in terms of access to these activities,” Dhifallah explains.

Once the new Olympic pool is in place, the current pool will be repurposed outdoors, providing open-air swimming in a newly developed green space. The upgraded aquatics centre, designed to accommodate up to 1,500 people, will also feature wellness facilities, including a sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, cold bath, massage jets and training equipment, creating a vibrant hub for the entire community. “During the Games, there was a Club 2024 where we could watch the Games on a giant screen in the centre of Sevran,” says Dhifallah. “Even people who knew nothing about swimming came to watch and asked me questions. Everyone identified with what would be Sevran’s new pool. It was magical.”

His transformation is part of a broader mission by Paris 2024 to make sport more accessible, particularly for young people in urban areas. More than 38,000 children have so far benefitted from free swimming lessons through 1,2,3 Swim!, a Paris 2024 initiative focused on addressing inequality in access to sport, and 30 minutes of daily physical activity are being introduced into French primary schools, as a result of an initiative supported by Paris 2024.

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PFAS Regulation Debrief: A Strategic Guide for Stakeholders

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds widely used in industrial and consumer products for their resistance to heat, water, and oil since the 1950’s. Their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have prompted sweeping regulatory and legal actions across the United States. This post highlights the latest developments in PFAS regulation, litigation, and strategic implications for stakeholders.

 

EPA Regulatory Updates 

Drinking Water Standards 

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its first-ever National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, setting Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) at 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for each. The rule also included MCLs for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA (GenX), and a hazard index for mixtures of these substances.

However, in May 2025, the EPA announced that it will keep the current NPDWR for PFOA and PFOS and concurrently declared its intent to rescind the MCLs for four of the six PFAS, citing the need for further scientific review. The EPA plans to retain the MCLs for PFOA and PFOS and extended the compliance deadline from 2029 to 2031.

CERCLA Designation 

On July 8, 2024, the EPA’s final rule designating PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), often coined the “Superfund Law,” took effect.

This designation enabled the EPA and other agencies to compel cleanup actions and recover costs from potentially responsible parties. The rule as drafted was intended to have significant implications for industries linked to legacy/historical PFAS use.

Poignantly, the New York Times recently reported that Steven Cook, principal deputy assistant administrator in the Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM), met in late July with industry players challenging the Biden-era designation of PFOA and PFOS as “hazardous substances” under CERCLA. And thereafter, the OLEM revised its recommendation on the rule to suggest repealing it rather than supporting it.

Litigation quickly followed the EPA’s 2024 designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA. In Chamber of Commerce of the United States v. EPA, industry groups challenged the CERCLA designation of PFOA and PFOS, arguing that the EPA exceeded its statutory authority and failed to justify the rule under the Administrative Procedure Act. The D.C. Circuit Court initially granted multiple stays to allow the EPA’s leadership to reassess its position. As of November 4, 2024, the Chamber coalition filed its opening brief. The case remains in the briefing phase, and no decision has been issued yet.

TSCA Reporting Requirements 

The EPA finalized its Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(a)(7) rule in late 2023, requiring manufacturers and importers to report PFAS data dating back to 2011 through calendar year 2022. The reporting window was initially set for 2024 but has since been delayed twice. The current reporting period runs from April 13 to October 13, 2026, with an extended deadline of April 13, 2027, for small businesses and article importers.

The rule mandates disclosure of chemical identity, production volumes, uses, byproducts, exposure, and disposal practices. The EPA is considering adding exemptions and streamlined reporting for small entities and article (manufactured items) importers.

Questions about TSCA? Our Waste and Materials Management team is here to help.

 

Litigation Landscape 

Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) 

The PFAS MDL (MDL No. 2873), centralized in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, consolidates over 10,000 cases involving aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and PFAS contamination near military bases, airports, and industrial sites. Judge Richard Gergel presides over the litigation, which includes claims against manufacturers such as 3M, DuPont, Tyco, and BASF.

In 2024, the court approved settlements totaling over $13 billion from 3M and DuPont to resolve claims from public water systems. Litigation continues to shape legal standards around liability, causation, and damages.

Broader Legal Trends 

Beyond the MDL, there is a surge in consumer and state-level lawsuits targeting PFAS in products and water supplies. Legal uncertainty persists around legacy PFAS (e.g., PFOA, PFOS) versus newer short-chain and fluorinated replacements. Courts are grappling with scientific evidence and regulatory definitions, which vary across jurisdictions.

PFAS risks are evolving quickly. If you have legal questions or need guidance on potential impacts, connect with our team for support.

Legacy PFAS vs. Replacement Surfactants 

Manufacturing of legacy PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS have largely been phased out in the United States and replacement chemicals (aka “replacement surfactants”), including short-chain PFAS and fluorinated alternatives, are now under scrutiny.

One would think with all the scrutiny on the legacy PFAS, legacy PFAS would be phased out, however PFOA and PFOS are essential for many products, such as electronics and pesticides. These products are deemed to contain PFAS as “currently unavoidable use” by some states.

The most-reported PFAS under Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) from 2020-2023, are PFOA, PFOS, and a replacement surfactant HFPO-DA, aka GenX. Where combined quantities of HFPO-DA (GenX) and its ammonium salt account for more waste managed than any other TRI listed PFAS.

The EPA has recently adopted a risk-based approach to evaluating new PFAS, considering persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity.

Scientific debate continues over how to define PFAS, with some experts advocating for class-based regulation and others favoring compound-specific assessments.

 

EPA Strategic Direction 

Under Administrator Lee Zeldin, the EPA has emphasized a “polluter pays” framework, source control, and effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs). On April 28, 2025, the EPA announced a sweeping initiative to address PFAS contamination through coordinated regulatory, scientific, and enforcement efforts. Of import the EPAs major PFAS action document introduced the following federally driven prerogatives:

  • Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELGs): New discharge limits targeting PFAS in industrial wastewater.
  • TSCA Testing Strategy: Expanded testing under Section 4 to assess toxicity and exposure pathways.
  • CERCLA Enforcement: Continued designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances; litigation stays remain in effect.
  • Drinking Water Compliance: MCLs for six PFAS upheld with the intent to rescind four of the six; compliance deadline extended to 2031.
  • “Polluter Pays” Framework: Reinforced liability principles to shift cleanup costs to responsible parties.
  • Air Monitoring Initiatives: Launch of PFAS air emissions data collection and measurement protocols.
  • State Collaboration: EPA pledges deeper engagement with state regulators and tribal governments.

These developments reflect Administrator Lee Zeldin’s commitment to science-driven regulation and environmental accountability. They also mark a significant shift in federal strategy and carry major implications for industry, municipalities, and environmental stakeholders. While implementation details remain forthcoming, stakeholders should prepare for increased scrutiny and evolving compliance obligations.

 

Practical Implications for Stakeholders 

Manufacturers, importers, and property owners face growing compliance burdens. PFAS liabilities are increasingly material in real estate transactions and mergers and acquisitions. Proactive PFAS risk management, including site assessments, contractual protections, and regulatory tracking, is essential.

 

PFAS are NOT Forever 

PFAS are notoriously resistant to degradation in the environment due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, making conventional treatment methods largely ineffective and are considered a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP). However, several technologies have emerged to sequester PFAS and/or reduce PFAS concentrations in water and other environmental media, calling for the public to ask whether the label of “forever chemicals” is a misnomer. These technologies fall into two main categories: removal (adsorption or separation/concentration) and destruction.

1. Removal Technologies 

These methods focus on separating PFAS from water without breaking down the chemical structure:

  • Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): One of the most widely used and studied technologies, GAC effectively adsorbs long-chain PFAS such as PFOA and PFOS. Its performance depends on carbon type, contact time, and water quality parameters.
  • Ion Exchange Resins: Synthetic resins with charged functional groups selectively bind PFAS molecules. They offer high removal efficiency, especially for short-chain PFAS, and are often used in tandem with GAC.
  • High-Pressure Membranes (Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration): These membranes physically separate PFAS from water. Reverse osmosis is highly effective but generates a concentrated waste stream that requires further treatment.
  • Foam Fractionation: Another separation technology, fractionation leverages the physical properties of PFAS which has a hydrophobic and hydrophilic end that likes to stick to the air/water interface. By passing a gas (usually air) through the liquid, PFAS sticks to the bubbles which are then collected at the top of a vessel for subsequent disposal or destruction.

2. Destruction Technologies 

These emerging methods aim to break the carbon-fluorine bonds and permanently eliminate PFAS:

  • Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO): Uses high temperature and pressure to oxidize PFAS in water. SCWO shows promise for complete mineralization but faces scalability and cost challenges.
  • Plasma-Based Treatment: Non-thermal plasma can generate reactive species that degrade PFAS. While effective in lab settings, commercial deployment is still limited.
  • Electrochemical Oxidation: Applies electrical current to degrade PFAS at the electrode surface. This method is under active development and shows potential for treating concentrated waste streams.
  • Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs): Techniques like Fenton chemistry and UV/peroxide have limited success due to PFAS stability. They may be more effective when combined with other methods.

3. Integrated Treatment Trains 

Given the diversity of PFAS compounds and site-specific conditions, many remediation strategies use a combination of technologies. For example, GAC may be used for initial removal, followed by SCWO or plasma treatment for destruction of residuals.

4. Limitations and Considerations 

  • Short-chain PFAS are more mobile and harder to remove than long-chain variants.
  • Waste management of spent media and concentrate streams remains a challenge.
  • Cost and energy requirements for destruction technologies are significant.
  • Site-specific factors such as co-contaminants and water chemistry influence treatment efficacy.

 

How Antea Group Can Help

Navigating PFAS regulation and litigation requires strategic foresight and technical expertise. Antea Group offers comprehensive support, from compliance planning and risk assessment to stakeholder engagement and remediation strategy.

Contact us to learn how we can help you stay ahead of evolving PFAS obligations and mitigate risk with available technologies.

 

To learn more or connect with the authors on LinkedIn, see below:

Insurance / Legal:

Rosemarie Hebner

PFAS:

Jack Sheldon

Jason Lagowski

Caron Koll

Waste and Materials Management (TSCA, TRI, etc.):

Kara Van Blarcum

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EG America Successfully Raises $597,000 for the American Cancer Society

WESTBOROUGH, Mass., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EG America raised more than $597,000 for the American Cancer Society during its nationwide in-store fundraiser in July.

Throughout the month, guests at EG America’s Certified Oil, Cumberland Farms, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf ‘N Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb, and Turkey Hill stores were able to donate $1, $5, or an amount of their choosing to the American Cancer Society. EG America then increased the total donation by matching the amounts raised by the top stores.

“We’re dedicated to supporting the American Cancer Society in its efforts to bring hope to those affected by cancer,” said Russ Colaco, CEO of EG Group. “Because of the compassion of our guests and the unwavering commitment of our store team members, we’re able to help make a difference in the lives of those battling this disease.”

This campaign – Fuel the Hope for Change – will enable the American Cancer Society to reach more lives through essential advocacy, research, and patient support programs.

“The American Cancer Society is grateful for EG America’s partnership and for its guests who so generously donated to this fundraiser.” said Sarah Wells, Executive Vice President of the American Cancer Society. “This success fuels our mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, groundbreaking research, and compassionate patient support.”

About EG America

With 1,500 retail locations and 18,000 team members across the U.S., EG America is one of the fastest-growing convenience store retailers in the country. As the operator of Cumberland Farms and 9 other c-store banners, we are committed to becoming America’s preferred ‘one-stop’ destination by focusing on superior guest experience, high-quality grocery and fuel products, and supporting the communities in which we live and work. EG America also operates Certified Oil, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf ‘N Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb, and Turkey Hill stores and is owned by EG Group, a UK-based fuel station and convenience store retailer. For more information about EG America, visit us at eg-america.com or follow us on LinkedIn

Contact: Julia Demopoulos, jdemopoulos@thecastlegrp.com, 978-319-5856

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SOURCE EG Group

Intern Reflections: Building a Better Future Through STEM Education

By Michele Robinson-Pontbriand, Director Corporate Social Responsibility

CSR Intern reflects on Keysight’s commitment to building a better planet by empowering the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovators.

By Katherine “Katie” Murphy

Bachelor of Arts in Statistics; Harvard University

On my first day as an intern on Keysight’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, I learned about Keysight’s foundational framework of six CSR pillars: ethical governance, the environment, responsible sourcing, our people, communities, and our solutions. But it was only throughout the summer that I began to truly appreciate how these pillars operate as a business strategy to help the company and planet thrive. Each pillar is carefully designed with supporting policies, programs, action plans, and trackable accountability measures. This intentional framework connecting technology innovation and impact explains how Keysight continues to be a leader in sustainability, listed on TIME Magazine’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2025, and the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index.

Though I hate to play pillar framework favorites, I feel especially connected to Keysight’s ‘communities’ pillar—which includes support for global STEM education—as I pursue a degree in Statistics. As part of this pillar, Keysight facilitates volunteer efforts and supports educational organizations to achieve the company’s social impact goal of engaging more than 2 million students in the current fiscal year. Through STEM education partnerships, Keysight invests in community prosperity and cultivates the talent pipeline that will drive future technological breakthroughs.

Why STEM Education Matters to Keysight

STEM is crucial for both community development and industry advancement. Keysight focuses on investing in hands-on, engaging learning experiences for all students—each fiscal year, the company supports STEM education engagements around the world. This investment reflects the core belief that community prosperity begins with opportunity for all.

Growing the Talent Pipeline

Investing in STEM education is also a strategic move to secure a skilled workforce for the future. K–12 STEM education funding is just one part of engaging a larger talent pipeline that includes:

  • Education outreach through Keysight’s signature After School Program including hands-on science experiments
  • Internships to provide students direct engagement in technology career paths
  • University relations and education programs for engineering students

Supporting STEM talent development from early education to professional stages helps Keysight remain at the forefront of technological advancement.

STEM For All

Through community partnerships, Keysight strives to empower students, support community prosperity, and secure a future skilled workforce. It has been so rewarding to contribute to Keysight’s CSR pillars this summer—to learn more about Keysight’s initiatives, check out the CSR webpage to see the latest news.

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Working Together: DaVita Celebrates Joint Efforts To Advance Kidney Health Awareness and Access to Care

Kidney disease affects an estimated 35 million Americans, with 90% unaware until it’s critical. As DaVita celebrates its 25th anniversary, it remains dedicated to changing this by prioritizing proactive care and empowering individuals to manage their kidney health before dialysis or transplant is needed. Through health awareness, screenings and support resources, DaVita is making an impact.

To accelerate progress, DaVita fosters strategic collaborations with organizations dedicated to increasing access to care, addressing both clinical and social drivers of health for better outcomes.

The recently announced expansion of DaVita’s work with the YMCA is a testament to that collaborative spirit. Leveraging YMCA’s extensive reach across communities as well as DaVita’s 25 years of expertise in kidney care, the collaboration will seek to bring vital health screenings, education and community-based resources to enable early intervention.

Similarly, DaVita proudly supports the American Heart Association’s Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Health Initiative. This program focuses on raising awareness, increasing screenings, and facilitating interdisciplinary care for individuals facing the interconnected challenges of heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity.

Download multimedia here.

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Beyond the Code: Meet Rahul Jayaram

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi everyone! I am Rahul, a Software Development Engineer, currently working with the Business Metrics Platform Team (FORGE Engineering) at GoDaddy. I am based in Delhi, India, and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I began my journey with GoDaddy as an intern, where I got the chance to work on diverse tasks across different technologies, which helped me learn a lot and gain hands-on experience. After the internship, I transitioned into a full-time SDE role. I truly feel grateful to work with such an amazing team, and being passionate about technology, I look forward to contributing meaningfully and making a positive impact for GoDaddy through the work we do.

How did your internship experience at GoDaddy prepare you for full-time role?

The best part about my internship at GoDaddy was that I never once felt like “just an intern.” From day one, we were encouraged to learn by doing. I still remember my very first meeting with my manager, after introductions, the senior director of our Engineering team told her: “He should be in a position to push production-level code within two weeks.” That moment stuck with me.

What truly amazed me was the passion everyone had for their work and the impact they were creating. As interns, our ideas and opinions were valued just as much as anyone else’s. This kind of culture motivated me to go above and beyond, to push myself harder, and to contribute meaningfully. Along the way, I learned immensely, and that experience shaped me into a more confident and capable professional, well prepared to take on the challenges and responsibilities of a full-time role.

Are there any habits you developed as an intern that still help you today?

From a developer’s perspective, I became much more conscious about writing clean, maintainable code and raising pull requests with clear, meaningful commit messages. I also made it a point to keep our Jira board updated with comments, screenshots, and progress details. This simple habit helped improve team visibility, reduce follow-ups, and keep everyone aligned on progress.

Beyond the technical side, I developed habits like documenting my work thoroughly, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable ones, and most importantly: asking questions. I learned that being curious and seeking clarity early not only prevents rework but also deepens understanding and sparks better ideas. I also made it a point to proactively share knowledge, whether it is a quick Slack tip or something new and interesting I had just learned which builds trust and boosts overall team productivity. These habits, picked up during my internship, have stayed with me and continue to make me a more effective and collaborative teammate today.

If you could go back to your first day as an intern, what would you tell yourself?

Honestly, I would not want to change a thing about my internship journey. Every single day brought something new to learn, and even my mistakes turned into some of my most valuable lessons. If I could go back, I would simply tell myself, “You are about to have an amazing time…soak it all in, learn fearlessly, and enjoy every moment.”

What advice do you have for interns hoping to build strong professional relationships during their internship?

Be enthusiastic, proactive, and never shy away from asking questions. Curiosity is your best tool, learn not just about your own work, but also what different teams are doing.

Here at GoDaddy, no one disregards a question; in fact, everyone is equally enthusiastic about sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas.

So, reach out to people, start conversations, and seek clarity when you have doubts. You will not only gain knowledge, but also build connections that inspire you to think bigger, contribute meaningfully, and create a lasting impact.

Are there any personal or professional goals you’re excited to pursue as a Software Development Engineer?

As a Software Development Engineer, my goal is to grow every day while making a meaningful and lasting impact for GoDaddy. I want to become the kind of developer that teams look up to and genuinely enjoy working with, someone who not only delivers results but also inspires collaboration. I aim to design and implement software solutions that are both interesting and impactful, driving the company towards innovation.

Since I am working on a project that extensively uses AWS cloud services, I am excited to deepen my expertise in that space, building solutions that are scalable and long-lasting. I am also equally fascinated by Agentic AI workflows and look forward to exploring how they can be applied to create smarter, more autonomous systems. For me, it is about continuously learning, contributing meaningfully, and leaving a positive mark on the work we do together.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I am a big cricket enthusiast and an unapologetic Virat Kohli and RCB fan! When they won the IPL title this year for the first time in 18 years, I was absolutely thrilled! (Fun fact: I even wore my RCB jersey to the office the very next day). I also enjoy binge-watching web series on Netflix, with sci-fi being my favorite genre. Black Mirror and Dark are my favourite shows. I make it a point to stay active, so I regularly hit the gym or find time to exercise. And of course, nothing beats spending quality time with family and friends.

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

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Building Supply Chain Due Diligence Capabilities Across the Semiconductor Industry

At AMD, we believe in fostering responsible practices in our supply chain, ensuring that together we advance not only in technology but also in ethical business conduct. One way we achieve this is through the AMD Supplier Code of Conduct, which mandates that suppliers establish and enforce policies and practices to communicate and monitor adherence to the Code. To assist our Manufacturing Suppliers in this endeavor, AMD sponsored a supply chain due diligence training session in 2024 facilitated by Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Advisory Services.

To broaden our reach, AMD collaborated with Marvell, Micron and Qualcomm to design and promote the training session. Our goal was to enhance the semiconductor supply chain’s ability to identify and manage risk throughout the industry. The training covered a variety of topics including anticipated requirements under upcoming global legislation, leveraging RBA tools to facilitate compliance and satisfying RBA and customer expectations regarding worker and environmental protection.

AMD off­ered the virtual training to our Manufacturing Suppliers in the locations of Malaysia and Taiwan. Of those invited, 94% attended. Since completing the training, participants have taken action by engaging their suppliers (AMD sub-tier suppliers), including by:

  • Implementing a policy to train new suppliers on responsible recruitment and conducting individual training sessions;
  • Providing a refresh training on the RBA Code of Conduct to existing suppliers;
  • Initiating a supplier forum to train suppliers on the RBA Code of Conduct;
  • Conducting on-site interviews with contract workers and dormitory audits to check compliance with the RBA Code of Conduct; and
  • Training internal staff­ on social requirements.

We continue to engage with our suppliers to understand and assess the actions they have taken since the training.

Originally published in AMD 2024-25 Corporate Responsibility Report

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Rockwell Automation To Showcase Sustainable Innovation and Climate Leadership at Climate Week NYC 2025

Rockwell Automation is proud to officially sponsor Climate Week NYC 2025, the largest annual climate event of its kind, taking place September 21-28. As a global leader in sustainable industrial innovation, Rockwell will highlight how its technologies and partnerships are helping industries accelerate their journey toward net-zero emissions and climate resilience.

The world is changing—and so is the way we talk about the actions we need to take and the investments required to be more sustainable. Climate Week NYC 2025 will be a platform where some of the biggest challenges of our time are being addressed: how to stay competitive in a changing world, how to reduce costs and swiftly unlock barriers, where to spot opportunities, and how investments in clean tech are powering transformative shifts.

With change at the forefront, the theme for Climate Week NYC this year is “Power On.” In essence, Climate Week NYC is powering on to serve as a critical platform for driving climate ambition, fostering collaboration, and showcasing solutions to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

“Every solution at Rockwell Automation drives sustainability forward,” said Emmanuel Guilhamon, vice president, sustainability, Rockwell Automation. “Climate Week NYC is a powerful platform to demonstrate how our Connected Enterprise® and advanced digital solutions are enabling manufacturers to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and build more resilient operations.”

Rockwell Automation’s sustainability efforts will be of focus, as attendees learn from roundtables with company leadership about how Rockwell’s Connected Enterprise® integrates data across operations to drive measurable sustainability outcomes—from energy optimization to carbon tracking.

Attention will also be on industrial artificial intelligence (AI) for long-term climate action, showcasing AI-powered solutions like FactoryTalk® Analytics™ LogixAI® and FactoryTalk® Design Studio™ Copilot, which help companies improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact through smarter automation.

By focusing on safer, more efficient, and lower-emission operations decarbonizing industrial supply chains, leveraging digital twins for climate modeling, and the role of automation in circular economy strategies, Rockwell Automation is pleased to be a purveyor in sustainability efforts to make larger, lasting impacts.

Join Rockwell Automation at Climate Week NYC 2025 to discover how industrial innovation is driving real progress toward a more sustainable future. For more information, visit www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/sustainability.

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