Tag: PR Newswire

Municipal leaders, nonprofits, and Floridians across the state unite to strengthen climate resilience at a time of challenges

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Florida Climate Week returns for its fifth year, uniting communities across the state with more than 75 in-person and virtual events focused on building resilience and advancing local climate solutions.

From September 6 to 12, Floridians will come together for conversations, workshops, cultural events, and collaborative action addressing the state’s most pressing climate challenges in the largest climate-focused event of its kind in Florida.

With events spanning every corner of the state, there is something for everyone. From policy discussions and clean energy workshops to art, storytelling, and youth-led programs, FCW is designed to connect citizens with practical tools and inspiring ideas.

Municipal Leadership in Action

This year, dozens of municipalities across Florida have issued proclamations in recognition of Florida Climate Week, underscoring the importance of local leadership in the face of statewide and federal funding cuts.

At a time of new challenges, municipalities are continuing to step up for climate resilience and the well-being of their residents.

Why It Matters Now

Floridians are on the front lines of climate change, facing rising seas, extreme heat, and stronger storms every year. Florida Climate Week empowers municipal leaders, nonprofits, and everyday citizens to share solutions and strengthen resilience from the ground up.

“This week is about solutions and collaboration, because the choices we make today will define the quality of life for generations to come,” said Thais Lopez Vogel, co-founder and trustee of VoLo Foundation. “Florida Climate Week is about more than raising awareness, it’s about action.”

A Vision for the Future

Free and open to all, FCW provides opportunities for learning, dialogue, and collaboration. By elevating local leaders, the first to feel the impacts of climate change, Florida Climate Week strengthens the statewide response with community-driven, informed, and passionate action.

Regional Highlights

Florida Climate Week events span every region:

• North Florida — spearheaded by the City of Jacksonville.
• South Florida — with gatherings from Miami to Jupiter and beyond.
• West Coast — community activities around Tampa and St. Petersburg.
• Central Florida — programs and sessions around Orlando.

For the full list of regional events, visit the schedule of events.

Learn more and register for events at www.floridaclimateweek.org.

The full schedule of events can be found at Florida Climate Week Schedule of Events. In-person events are listed here, while virtual sessions can be accessed here.

Multimedia resources, including a 30-second promo video and event photos, are available here: Florida Climate Week Media Kit

Press contacts:

Shannon Maganiezin

smaganiezin@volofoundation.org

Carlos Roa

croa@volofoundation.org

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SOURCE VoLo Foundation

NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Indigenized Energy is proud to announce that the Northern Cheyenne Buffalo Solar Project has been named an Honorable Mention in the inaugural Electric Innovation Awards, recognized in the “Power for All” category. The award celebrates groundbreaking initiatives that advance electrification and accelerate the transition to a clean, all-electric future.

Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, the Northern Cheyenne Solar Buffalo Project stood out for its vision, innovation, and impact. Completed earlier this year in Ashland, Montana, the project provides reliable solar power to the Tribe’s buffalo program, strengthening food sovereignty, cultural resilience, and community-led climate action.

“The addition of a solar system has been a game-changer for our program” said Brandon Small, the Northern Cheyenne Buffalo Program Manager. “It is helping us protect the herd and will allow us to grow and better serve our people.”

“Every project we take on is about more than energy, it’s about sovereignty, resilience, and the future of our communities,” said Cody Two Bears, CEO of Indigenized Energy. “By partnering closely with tribes, investing time, resources, and knowledge, we help build energy systems that are owned, controlled, and sustained by the people who call this land home.”

The award was celebrated during Climate Week NYC on September 24, where leaders from across government, industry, and philanthropy joined innovators like Indigenized Energy to highlight transformative efforts shaping a sustainable future.

Beyond the award, Indigenized Energy will join the Electric Innovation Initiative program, a year-round effort to support innovators by amplifying their stories, connecting them with key stakeholders, and building a peer network advancing electrification nationwide.

The Honorable Mention status underscores Indigenized Energy’s ongoing commitment to delivering clean energy in partnership with tribal nations across the Plains region.

To learn more or support future projects, visit www.4indigenized.energy.

About Indigenized Energy
Founded in 2017, Indigenized Energy is a non-profit organization dedicated to building renewable energy solutions in Native American communities while creating job opportunities and fostering local capacity building. Their mission is to empower indigenous communities to take control of their energy future and lead the way in sustainable development.

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SOURCE Indigenized Energy

Animal-Lovers, Celebrities and Animal Welfare Organizations Across the Globe Unite TODAY to #ShineALight…

RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. , Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, animal-lovers across the world are invited to take part in the 13th annual Remember Me Thursday^® (RMT) global movement. The social media driven campaign, honored on the fourth Thursday in September, asks pet-lovers, celebrities and animal rescue groups to create an unstoppable, integrated voice for homeless pets. Social media postings using @RememberMeThursday and #ShineALight, as well as candle lighting ceremonies, proclamations, and even flag raisings, serve to remind the world that orphan animals need our help. Helen Woodward Animal Center hopes the public will join the movement TODAY – Remember Me Thursday®, September 25^th – to #ShineALight on the importance of pet adoption. 

RMT was established in 2013 by Helen Woodward Animal Center President and CEO Mike Arms. Moved by the staggering statistics that over a million homeless pets lose their lives each year in the U.S., Arms put out a call to rescue organizations in an attempt to create a social media global awareness campaign.

Now in its thirteenth year, RMT is honored across the globe by hundreds of thousands of individuals and more than 1,000 separate animal welfare organizations, throughout more than 140 countries worldwide, spreading the message on social media. Each individual taking part in the campaign can spread the message in their own way by posting about a rescue pet on social media. The enormous swell of celebrity support has resulted in the topic trending each year on both Facebook and Twitter. 

This year, actor and animal-activist Dylan Walsh signed on as the newest Remember Me Thursday^® Celebrity Luminary. Dylan Walsh is a prolific actor with an illustrious resume of television and movie credits. His most notable role comes as Dr. Sean McNamara on FX’s hit show Nip/Tuck (2003–2010). Most recently he has portrayed the Mayor of New York on Blue Bloods, sparring opposite Tom Selleck’s New York City Police Commissioner, a role he wrapped in 2024. Up until the show’s end in 2023 he also played General Sam Lane, father of Lois Lane, in Superman & Lois. Walsh is also no stranger to being a star on the silver screen, with film credits including The Stepfather, Congo, Secretariat, and The Lake House.

“In our current world I see too many shelter pets left alone and abandoned, all of them deserving of a loving family and forever homes,” said Walsh. “I am proud to have my name linked to Remember Me Thursday. Any organization whose mission is helping animals is something everyone should be behind. There are so many animals in horrific situations. To take in dogs, and cats, that have been through the worse and love them till they are adopted into loving, forever homes – this is support my family will always be behind. Thank you for the opportunity to represent and speak for this great cause.”

Beyond his work on screen, Walsh is no stranger to supporting animal welfare. In 2019 Walsh partnered with San Diego-based rescue The Animal Pad to promote dog adoptions, generating dozens of applications within an hour through a single post. His love of animals is deeply personal. He and wife Leslie adopted their beloved dog Ash, a 12-week-old street puppy, from New Jersey-based rescue Dogs and Cats of Antigua. Walsh has another dog, Riley, who is currently on a courageous journey battling cancer.

Walsh joins an impressive list of celebrity supporters also aligning themselves with RMT. Notable personalities, professional athletes, pet behaviorists and social media pet stars have signed on as “luminaries,” committing to share their thoughts on pet adoption in videos and via their social media accounts throughout the campaign. Nearly 100 influential luminaries have joined the cause. Past and present supporters include: Alicia Silverstone, Alison Sweeney, Amanda Balionis, Andie MacDowell (2023 Official Spokesperson), Bo Derek, Carrie Ann Inaba (2015 Official Spokesperson), Christian Siriano, Daymond John, Diane Keaton, David Backes (Anaheim Ducks), Dyan Cannon, George Lopez, Jill Rappaport, Katherine Heigl (2014 Official Spokesperson), Kevin Frazier, Kristin Chenoweth (2017 Official Spokesperson), Lou Wegner, Mark Buehrle (World Series Champion), Rainey Qualley (2023 Official Spokesperson), Rick Springfield, Ryan Newman (NASCAR), SDSU Mens Basketball Team, Trisha Yearwood, Tony Kornheiser, Trevor William Hoffman, Wynonna Judd (2018 Official Spokesperson), Xander Schauffele, and many more.

Today, Thursday, September 25^th, the public is invited to join the movement by tweeting, tagging, posting and sharing a story of the beauty, and life-saving significance, an adopted pet has made, alongside @RememberMeThursday and #ShineALight. 

For more information on Remember Me Thursday^® and a full list of participating celebrities and animal welfare organizations, go to www.remembermethursday.org. 

About Remember Me Thursday^® 
Animal lovers and organizations across the globe unite on the fourth Thursday in September to light a candle in remembrance of the millions of homeless pets who lost their lives without the benefit of a loving home and to shine a light via social media on the millions of orphan pets still waiting for their forever homes. The Remember Me Thursday® global awareness campaign is championed by Mike Arms, President of Helen Woodward Animal Center, and creator of both the International Pet Adoptathon and successful Home 4 the Holidays program which, in partnership with national animal organizations, has placed over 22 million pets in homes since 1999. For more information, please visit www.remembermethursday.org.

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SOURCE Helen Woodward Animal Center

DUBAI, UAE and LONDON, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a move to power innovation in the energy and utilities sector, Seed Group, a company of The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, has developed a partnership with Reactive Technologies. The alliance will bring novel solutions in grid resilience and energy transition to Dubai and the larger UAE.

Headquartered in 2010 in London, Reactive Technologies is a Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) company with offices in the USA, Australia, and an R&D center in Finland. The company enables transmission and distribution system operators, utilities, and energy market participants to strengthen grid resilience, optimize renewable integration, and enhance decision-making through high-precision grid data analytics. Its patented GridMetrix® platform delivers the world’s first direct measurement of grid inertia and system strength.

Globally recognized for its pioneering work, Reactive Technologies has received awards including ‘Best Renewable Project of the Year at UK Green Business Awards 2025’ and ‘Clean Power Energy Transition Changemaker at COP28’. Its partnership with Seed Group, a private company of a Dubai royal family, provides direct access to government entities and decision-makers across the MENA region.

Marc Borrett, CEO of Reactive Technologies said, “Our partnership with Seed Group marks a significant milestone in our global mission to modernize power systems and accelerate the energy transition. By bringing our patented GridMetrix® platform to the UAE, we are enabling best-in-class, accurate, real-time measurement of grid stability, which is now becoming an essential foundation for safely integrating renewable energy and data centers at scale.

In partnering with Seed Group, we are proud to be able to support both the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and exciting data center growth ambitions by delivering the trusted measurement data-driven insights needed to build a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy system for the UAE’s digital future.”

Hisham Al Gurg, CEO of Seed Group and The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum, commented, “Reactive Technologies is a valuable addition to our partner ecosystem, as its focus on modern grid monitoring and stability solutions complement our goal of supporting the regional growth of innovative companies. Its patented platforms — for inertia measurement, system strength analysis, and real-time grid insights for grid operators, utilities and energy market participants — improve interoperability and deliver actionable intelligence. We believe its technology will support the UAE’s transition to low-carbon energy system.”

This strategic venture is designed to bolster the stability of modern transmission and distribution systems that integrate renewable energy into the UAE grid, benefiting both enterprises and the wider community. It also aims to advance the nation’s broader agenda of building a sustainable energy ecosystem in line with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

www.reactive-technologies.com
www.seedgroup.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2727876/5528766/Reactive_Technologies_Logo.jpg

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SOURCE Reactive Technologies

• Einride has successfully delivered goods from Sweden to Norway on behalf of PostNord – fully autonomously – marking the first cabless electric autonomous border-crossing in the world.
• The demonstration was part of the EU co-founded MODI project, aimed at enabling the safe rollout of autonomous transportation solutions in Europe.        
• Einride successfully passed through the Norwegian customs without a driver onboard, facilitated by C-ITS technology from its partner Q-Free.

ØRJE, Norway, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Einride, a technology company that provides digital, electric and autonomous solutions for road freight, today announced a historic milestone: the successful cross-border operation of a cabless electric autonomous vehicle without a human driver onboard. The autonomous border-crossing took place at the Ørje border crossing, and marks the world-first cabless electric autonomous crossing of a country’s border. 

Autonomous cross-border vehicle operations are challenging due to differing national regulations as well as technical barriers such as inconsistent road signage and customs procedures. This significant achievement represents a major leap forward for autonomous cross-border operations, building on Einride’s extensive background in industrial freight. 

Tolletaten, The Norwegian Customs, is supporting the initiative due to the high relevance of automating this use case for their future operations. To address the complexities of international border crossings and handle tasks typically managed by a human driver, Einride integrated its systems with Norway’s digital customs solution (Digitoll) through its partner Q-Free, digitally declaring goods in advance to create a seamless border customs clearance process.

Einride showcased the broader capabilities of its electric autonomous technology through the seamless integration of its advanced hardware and software. This included the Einride Driver (the company’s proprietary Autonomous Drive Stack), its purpose-built cabless autonomous vehicle, and a Control Tower (an intelligent platform for fleet management and oversight), highlighting how the technology can improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in road freight.

This world-first cabless electric autonomous border-crossing demonstration is a key component of the EU co-founded MODI project. The MODI project aims to enable the safe roll-out of heavy-duty autonomous transportation across a wide variety of market applications, improving the transport and logistics industry by accelerating the introduction of Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM) solutions.

“We are immensely proud to have completed the world’s first cabless, electric, fully autonomous cross-border delivery,” said Henrik Green, CTO and General Manager for Einride Autonomous Technologies. “We are dedicated to continuously extending our capabilities into new applications, showcasing how autonomous technology can enhance transportation safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The MODI project perfectly embodies this commitment, assisting in the realization of EU value-based objectives by thoughtfully balancing safety with innovation.”

The autonomous border crossing is a joint effort between Swedish and Norwegian project partners including Statens Vegvesen, Sintef, Q-Free, Trafikverket and Østfold kommune, conducted on behalf of PostNord, annually shipping nearly 200 million parcels across the Nordic region. 

“At PostNord, we are committed to exploring innovative solutions that make logistics more sustainable and efficient. Taking part in this historic milestone with Einride demonstrates how autonomous and digital technologies can reshape the future of transport, reduce emissions, and improve safety. This achievement is not just about crossing a border – it’s about entering a new era for the logistics industry,” said May-Kristin S. Willoch, Head of Environment & DPO, PostNord Norway.

Video and images can be found HERE.

For more information, please contact:
Christina Zander
press@einride.tech
+46728889610

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/einride/r/einride-achieves-world-first-cabless-electric-autonomous-border-crossing-and-customs-passing—witho,c4238424

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SOURCE Einride

BEIJING, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On September 25th, Waterdrop Inc. released its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report (hereinafter “the Report”), which offers an in-depth overview of the Company’s progress and initiatives in corporate governance, technology innovation, product responsibility, talent development, environmental protection, and sustainable ecosystem development. The Company maintained its ESG rating at A level, underscoring its ESG progress at the forefront of the industry.

The Report highlights that Waterdrop Inc. has sustained its focus on AI innovation, with more than 100 related patents to further improve user experience with its products. At the same time, the Company has strengthened its commitment to public welfare, with initiatives targeting vulnerable groups, rural revitalization, educational support, and disaster relief, aiming to drive positive social change.

Peng Shen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Waterdrop Inc., emphasized: “As a company guided by mission and values, we define success not just in terms of short-term financial gains, but by our capacity to foster a harmonious integration of environmental, social, and governance priorities. At the same time, sustainability management remains at the heart of our corporate strategy and is deeply embedded in every aspect of our operations.”

Digging into AI Innovation with Over 100 Related Patents

Waterdrop Inc., a pioneer in China’s insurance technology sector, has been exploring the application of artificial intelligence to bridge gaps in insurance supply since 2019. Leveraging its leading R&D capabilities and focusing on business priorities such as user needs and operational efficiency, the Company developed the “Waterdrop Guardian” large language model (LLM) , which has obtained algorithm registration with the Cyberspace Administration of China in 2024 and obtained multiple patents related to LLM development. By the end of 2024, the Company had filled a total of 48 patent applications related to LLM, with more than 100 authorized patents in the field of artificial intelligence. The Report reveals that in 2024, Waterdrop Inc. strengthened its commitment to sci-tech innovation, investing RMB 217 million in R&D.

According to the Report, the “Waterdrop Guardian” LLM equips insurance brokers and users with professional, accurate, and accessible advice, driving greater empowerment and efficiency across the insurance value chain. The “Waterdrop Guardian AI Insurance Expert” can engage in natural conversations lasting up to 50 minutes, interpret over 7,000 insurance products, and respond to more than 10,000 health insurance queries—delivering comprehensive, high-quality, end-to-end insurance services to users.

At the same time, Waterdrop Inc. has broadened its focus to address the diverse protection needs of seniors, women, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. The Company has rolled out a range of inclusive products—including “Jiehaoyun” and “Disability Insurance”—aimed at enhancing innovation, accessibility, and inclusiveness in insurance products. In 2024, Waterdrop Inc. launched 174 inclusive insurance products in total, with claims under pre-existing medical condition policies amounting to RMB 38.128 million.

Strengthening Role in Multi-level Medical Protection System, with Cumulative Relief Funding Exceeding RMB 50 Million

On December 25, 2024, Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding was officially designated by the Ministry of Civil Affairs as Online Personal Help-seeking Service Platforms, signaling a new phase of healthier and more standardized industry development. By the end of 2024, the platform had raised RMB 67.5 billion in donations from 470 million contributors, providing critical support to 3.4 million patients with severe illnesses. To enhance transparency, Waterdrop Medical Crowdfunding also introduced a public reporting mechanism that encourages citizens to participate in oversight, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.

The Report further notes that since 2021, Waterdrop Inc. has collaborated with local Healthcare Security Bureau and Civil Affairs Authorities in regions such as Jinyun (Zhejiang), Hainan, and Guangzhou to strengthen the coordination of government and social assistance. By the end of 2024, “Jin Qing Bang” medical poverty-prevention application in Jinyun supported 632 patients and mobilized RMB 13.88 million in social contributions, while “Hai Hui Bang” multi-level medical assistance information platform in Hainan aided 1,929 patients with total relief exceeding RMB 39 million. By leveraging its internet-based platforms and technological strengths, Waterdrop is playing an increasingly important role in China’s multi-level medical protection system—easing the financial burden of patients with severe illnesses and serving as a valuable complement to the national social assistance and healthcare systems.

Expanding Support to Vulnerable Groups, Providing Rural Medical Clinic Access to Over 500 Thousand Beneficiaries

As one of China’s leading insurance technology and healthcare platforms, Waterdrop Inc. remains committed to its mission of “We at Waterdrop aspire to bring insurance and healthcare service to billions through technology,” integrating social responsibility into the heart of its corporate strategy. Over the years, the Company has built a comprehensive service ecosystem spanning insurance coverage, critical illness fundraising, and pharmaceutical innovation. The Report highlights Waterdrop Inc.’s strong commitment to social welfare, with initiatives addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, rural revitalization, education, and disaster relief to help tackle pressing social issues. The year also saw the construction of 30 new rural medical clinics, increasing the total to 167 medical clinics nationwide, collectively serving more than 500 thousand beneficiaries.

Notably, the Report includes, for the first time, disclosure of Scope 1–3 greenhouse gas emissions, as well as data on energy use and waste management. Waterdrop Inc. reported operational greenhouse gas emissions of 402.22 tons of CO₂ equivalent in 2024—a 33.32% year-on-year reduction. This milestone reflects a significant step in the Company’s efforts to combat climate change and enhance the precision of its environmental data management.

Professor Yi Guo, Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Social Responsibility and Sustainability of the Chinese Institute of Business Administration and Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management at Beijing Technology and Business University, commended on the Report. He stated: “Waterdrop’s ESG Report is comprehensive, with detailed data and well-illustrated presentation, aligning with the expectations of the Company’s stakeholders. It effectively demonstrates the requirements of ESG disclosure in terms of reliability, relevance, verifiability, comprehensibility, timeliness, and consistency.”

Dr. Jianzhong Lyu, former Board Member of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Deputy Director of Sustainability Committee, China Management Science Society remarked: “Beyond the three pillars of ESG, the Report dedicates extensive discussion to Waterdrop’s achievements in technological innovation and ecosystem development, underscoring the organic integration of its sustainable business strategy with its commitment to social responsibility.”

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SOURCE Waterdrop Inc.

BEIJING, Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A report from China Daily

The 2025 World Coastal Forum got underway on Wednesday in Yancheng, Jiangsu province, with the two-day event aiming to foster joint consultation, co-construction, and sharing of ecological protection and sustainable development strategies among its members.

The forum’s partnership base now stands at 25 members, encompassing government agencies, international organizations, universities, and research institutions from 14 countries and regions.

Yang Zhen, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and executive vice chairman of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, emphasized the importance of balancing development with environmental protection in his address.

He advocated the creation of an integrated land-sea ecological governance system and expressed the hope that more countries will join the World Coastal Forum Partnership Initiative, which was launched in 2023.

The goal is to share development opportunities and achieve green development, ensuring a future with blue skies, green lands, and clear waters for generations to come, he added.

Xin Changxing, Party secretary of Jiangsu province, highlighted Jiangsu’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ecological protection, accelerate green transformation and deepen global cooperation.

He said that Jiangsu plans to prioritize ecology and green development, enhance the coastal ecological barrier and promote the sustainable development and use of marine resources. This strategy aims to connect people more closely with the ocean and ensure that the move benefits humanity.

The report, State of the World’s Coastal Ecosystems, was released during the opening ceremony as was the second batch of the International Case Collection on Synergistic Enhancement of Coastal Ecological Disaster Reduction.

The status report revealed that over the past 50 years, global coastal ecosystems have suffered varying degrees of degradation. Seagrass beds, coral reefs, mollusk reefs and kelp forests have been the worst affected, with an average annual net loss rate exceeding 1 percent.

The report, the first comprehensive global assessment of coastal ecosystems, was jointly prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The report identified coastal urbanization, climate change and exploitation of fisheries as the primary reasons behind the degradation of coastal ecosystems.

Additionally, agriculture, marine mineral extraction and energy development also disrupt these ecosystems. As coastal regions continue to develop socio-economically, these impacts are likely to become more severe if no effective interventions are made.

In response to these challenges, the international community has made significant efforts in protection, restoration and sustainable development of coastal regions, though much work remains to be done, the report stated.

Currently, 12.4 percent of the world’s coastal areas are protected, but overall protection needs to be strengthened. Restoration efforts are underway in many countries but remain limited in scale and are constrained by technology, funding and policy.

While awareness of ecological protection has increased in many regions, stronger measures are needed, particularly in fisheries resource recovery and the advancement of green shipping technologies.

Scott Morris, vice president of Asian Development Bank, said the bank sees the blue economy as a transformative pathway for sustainable growth.

“Since 2019, ADB has committed more than $3.8 billion to ocean health projects,” said Morris. “We are equally committed to advancing coastal resilience — through mangrove restoration, hybrid green-grey infrastructure, and ecosystem-based adaptation.”

“One of the most powerful demonstrations of what is possible is right here in Yancheng,” he said. “The Jiangsu Yancheng Wetlands Protection Project, co-financed by ADB and the Global Environment Facility, restored and rehabilitated thousands of hectares of degraded wetlands, controlled invasive species, and converted fishponds back into natural habitats.”

This year’s forum, themed “Beautiful Coasts: Ecological Priority and Green Development”, was co-hosted by the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

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SOURCE China Daily

Sioux Honey Co-op and Hy-Vee grocery stores deliver more than 6,000 pounds of sweetness to Kansas City nonprofits

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sioux Honey Co-op and Hy-Vee grocery stores delivered a weighty donation of honey to two Kansas City-area nonprofits on Wednesday – one that tipped the scales at 6,400+ pounds. That’s more than twice the weight of the entire Kansas City Chiefs defensive roster, a fitting comparison for a team effort that is tackling hunger head-on.

For Harvesters Community Food Network, it was the largest single donation of honey ever received: three pallets with 540 cases holding 6,480 bottles of Sue Bee® honey. Add in another 2,160 bottles of Sue Bee that were delivered to the Starfish Project Foundation, a nonprofit in Olathe, Kan., and the total one-day honey haul for the Kansas City area comes in at over 3 tons – or, about the same weight as 29.4 million honeybees.

And the delivery during National Honey Month – when beekeepers across the country finish their annual harvest and celebrate the golden bounty before preparing their hives for winter – makes this week’s delivery to Harvesters a genuine harvesters hootenanny.

“We’re always thrilled to receive honey because it checks so many boxes for the families we serve,” said Stephen Davis, president and CEO of Harvesters. “It’s nutritious, has natural health benefits and it’s one of those coveted pantry items that is in high demand. To have Sioux Honey and Hy-Vee step up with this kind of donation ensures more families in our community will have access to both nourishment and comfort.”

A group effort
Sioux Honey, powered by 175-plus beekeeper families across the U.S., partnered with Des Moines-based Hy-Vee, which operates 570 stores across nine Midwestern states, to make this show of support possible. Together, these Midwest-rooted companies are helping ease food insecurity in Missouri and northeastern Kansas.

The donation was part of Sioux Honey’s ongoing “Share Sweetness” effort, which has included making several large donations of honey to food banks and non-profits across the United States. The 104-year-old co-op harvested about 25 to 30 million pounds of honey last year, which was nearly one-fourth of the U.S. total (134 million pounds of honey harvested by commercial beekeepers in 2024, according to the USDA).

“When those five Sioux Honey beekeepers decided to form a co-op over a hundred years ago, they did so knowing that they could make a bigger impact if they worked as one,” said Aimee Sandman, director of growth and community impact at Sioux Honey. “That conviction hasn’t faded. It’s alive in efforts like ‘Share Sweetness,’ where every bottle of honey is more than just a product – it’s the harvest of our beekeeper families and a testament to the generosity of partners who help us extend that sweetness to communities in need.”

John Lewis, store director at Hy-Vee’s Overland Park location, added: “At Hy-Vee, giving back is part of our DNA – it’s what we do in every community we serve. Partnering with Sioux Honey just makes sense because they share that same tradition of generosity and service. Together, we’re proud to make a difference here in Kansas City and beyond.”

Honey never spoils
For the Starfish Project, which redirects food and essentials to families in need, honey is a perfect partner in the fight against food insecurity: it doesn’t expire, doesn’t need refrigeration and remains as versatile as the day it was bottled. Need proof? The oldest known example of preserved honey was unearthed in Georgia in the Borjomi region near the village of Sakire, in the tomb of a noblewoman. The ceramic vessels containing remnants of honey dated back approximately 5,500 years.

“It’s just one ingredient and it never goes bad,” said Suzanne Phillips, food program manager at the Starfish Project. “It doesn’t need to be refrigerated, it’s endlessly versatile in the kitchen and a spoonful helps soothe kiddos’ coughs and sore throats during the winter. Our goal at Starfish Project is to make sure food never goes to waste, and honey – with its remarkable shelf life – it can go a long way in nourishing our neighbors in need.”

Sweet stats at a glance
The donation total was 8,640 bottles (four pallets, 720 cases of Sue Bee® honey), which is enough honey to:

• Fill 2,224 pairs (4,448 shoes!) of Travis Kelce’s size-15 cleats – a sticky fit for KC’s favorite tight end.
• Equal the weight (about 3.6 tons) to TWO full-grown adult hippopotamuses.
• Spread a honey glaze that could – with a very thin layer – coat the field at Arrowhead Stadium.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you would like to interview a representative from Sioux Honey, Hy-Vee, Harvesters or Starfish Project, please contact Jim Minge, media/PR liaison for Sioux Honey Co-op, at 402-740-8188 or jim@wayfinderpr.com.

DOWNLOAD EVENT ASSETS: https://media.wayfinderpr.com/kc-honey

About Sioux Honey Co-op – Founded in 1921 by five beekeepers near Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Honey began with a simple cooperative model of sharing equipment, marketing and processing facilities. Today, the co-op has grown to more than 175 beekeeper families nationwide, some multigenerational and others just beginning their honey journey. Sioux Honey is proud to know each member by name and to produce pure, quality honey trusted for more than a century. Sioux Honey’s Sue Bee® and Aunt Sue’s® were also the first honey brands to earn the U.S. Farmed™ certification, underscoring the co-op’s commitment to domestic farming and sustainable practices. For additional information, visit siouxhoney.com. 

About Hy-Vee – Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 550 business units across eight Midwestern states with sales of more than $13 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise, and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 5 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America’s Top 3 favorite grocery stores. The company’s more than 75,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit hy-vee.com.

About Harvesters Community Food Network – Harvesters is a regional food bank serving a 27-county area of northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas. Harvesters’ mission is to mobilize the power of the Kansas City-area community to create equitable access to nutritious food and address the root causes and impact of hunger. Our vision is a healthy, thriving community where no one is hungry. We believe access to nutritious food is a human right and all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and we believe it is our duty to create a safe, inclusive environment where diverse staff and volunteers feel trusted, valued, and engaged. For more information, visit harvesters.org.

About Starfish Project Foundation – Founded in 2014, the Starfish Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Olathe, Kansas, serving families across the Kansas City metro. The organization focuses on meeting the real needs of the community by rescuing thousands of pounds of perfectly good food from landfills and redirecting it to those facing food insecurity. Beyond food, Starfish partners with area schools to supply essentials – everything from weekend food bags and afterschool snacks to hundreds of full-sized toiletry kits for children and students. The nonprofit also provides shoes, clothing, and everyday household items to help individuals and families navigate times of need. For more information, visit starfishproject21.org.

CONTACT:
Jim Minge
Media/PR Liaison
OBO Sioux Honey
jim@wayfinderpr.com
402-740-8188

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SOURCE Sioux Honey

Company Recognized During Climate Week NYC for Technology That Increases Safety, Efficiency and Grid Resiliency

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Zūm, a leader in modern student transportation, today announced that it has received a 2025 Electric Innovation Award for modernizing student transportation through technology and electrification.

Zum won in the “Power for All” category, featured in this video, for its groundbreaking vehicle-to-grid technology and bidirectional charging that sends energy from electric school bus batteries to the local grid.

“I am deeply honored to share this Electric Innovation Award with our dedicated team at Zum as well as the school districts and communities nationwide that we’re privileged to serve,” said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO at Zum. “Through technology and electrification, we have disrupted student transportation, a $50B industry that has seen little change in the past 80 years. This award affirms Zum’s mission to ensure safe, reliable and equitable rides for children — and to help power the grid with renewable energy.”

“Electrification holds the power to supercharge America’s future. We can create over 25 million new jobs, help everyday Americans save money and reduce pollution with today’s technologies,” said David Hochschild, Chair of the California Energy Commission and co-founder of Electric Innovation. “Our Electric Innovation Awardees bring us closer to recognizing the power of the electrification movement, thanks to their innovative solutions and partnerships. We are thrilled to launch our 10-year initiative by recognizing these trailblazers, connecting them to others, and amplifying our collective efforts to create a brighter future for us all.”

The Electric Innovation Awards recognize four breakthrough projects that “represent the kind of high-impact, scalable solution that can truly transform sectors, shape public policy and accelerate the adoption of electric technologies across the U.S.”

The inaugural award was presented Sept. 24 in New York during Climate Week NYC, a global gathering of the energy and climate community. Speakers at the ceremony included former U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm; Doreen M. Harris, President & CEO of NYSERDA; Sonia Aggarwal, President of Climate Imperative; and David Hochschild, Chair of the California Energy Commission.

On Sept. 25, Zum will also participate in the Electric Innovation Forum, a gathering of lawmakers, funders and industry leaders who will explore transformative solutions shaping a sustainable future and accelerating the adoption of electric technologies.

Zum unifies parents, students, school administrators and drivers on a single personalized technology platform, enabling never-before achieved levels of visibility and data-backed accountability. In 2024, Zum launched the nation’s first fully electrified school bus fleet in Oakland, California. The 74-bus Oakland fleet is also equipped with groundbreaking vehicle-to-grid technology and bidirectional charging, enabling the buses to return energy to the local grid at scale and improve grid resilience during times of peak demand.

Zum is a national leader in modern student transportation, serving more than 4,000 schools across 14 states nationwide. To learn more about how Zum is working with thousands of schools to deliver safe, reliable and modern student transportation, please visit Zum’s website.

To learn more about the Electric Innovation Awards, visit www.electricinnovation.org.

About Zūm

Zum is a modern transportation solution transforming school transportation, the largest mass transit system in the U.S. Today, the company provides turnkey modern transportation solutions to school districts in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Utah, and Virginia, and is expanding rapidly nationwide. Recognized globally for its innovative transportation and energy as a service platform, Zum has been featured among Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas, CNBC Disruptor 50, CNBC Changemakers, World Economic Forum and Financial Times’ Fastest Growing Companies. Learn more about Zum at www.ridezum.com.

CONTACT:
Jenny Mayfield, Vice President of Communications – press@ridezum.com

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SOURCE Zūm

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) (“Federal Signal” or the “Company”), a leader in environmental and safety solutions, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Scranton Manufacturing Company Inc. d/b/a New Way Trucks (“New Way”), a leading U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of refuse collection vehicles, for an initial purchase price of $396 million. As part of the acquisition, the Company will also pay additional consideration of $30 million for New Way’s manufacturing facilities and associated real estate rights in Iowa and Mississippi. The initial purchase price assumes a cash-free, debt-free transaction, and is subject to certain post-closing adjustments. In addition, there is a contingent earn-out opportunity of up to $54 million, based on the achievement of certain specified financial targets over a two-year period.  

When adjusted for the present value of anticipated tax benefits, currently estimated at approximately $60 million, the combined initial purchase price represents a multiple of approximately 11x New Way’s projected 2026 EBITDA, reflecting the impact of various planned investments and integration and optimization initiatives, including deployment of Federal Signal’s chassis and inventory management best practices, and a multiple of approximately 7x New Way’s projected 2028 EBITDA, inclusive of expected synergies. 

The transaction will be financed with a combination of cash on hand and availability under Federal Signal’s credit facility. The Company currently anticipates that its pro-forma net debt leverage ratio upon completion of the acquisition will be less than 1.5x.

As a family-owned business, New Way has established itself as one of the fastest-growing refuse truck manufacturers in North America through its strong reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service. New Way manufactures a full range of automated side loaders, rear loaders, and front loaders in its two primary U.S. production facilities, serving both municipal and private-hauler customers. New Way is also recognized as the leading manufacturer of automated side loaders in the U.S., one of the fastest growing waste-hauling product lines.

“The acquisition of New Way establishes a new vertical within our specialty vehicle portfolio and represents a meaningful expansion into the recession-resilient waste and recycling industry,” said Jennifer L. Sherman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Federal Signal. “With our deep expertise in selling refuse equipment through our direct distribution channel and our ability to leverage the power of our specialty vehicle platform, we see significant opportunities to capture synergies and accelerate New Way’s growth and margin trajectory in coming years. Importantly, we believe New Way’s leading U.S. position in automated side loaders and for municipal sales sets the foundation for continued outperformance within the refuse space. We are excited to welcome New Way’s dedicated team of more than 750 employees to the Federal Signal family.”

The acquisition of New Way further strengthens Federal Signal’s position as a manufacturer of leading brands of premium, value-adding products, supported by a robust aftermarket platform. It also establishes a new growth vertical within the Environmental Solutions Group, creating additional inorganic opportunities longer term.

“The opportunity to join Federal Signal marks an exciting new chapter for our company,” said Michael McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer of New Way. “As a family-owned company, we take great pride in our history of innovation, customer focus, and growth. Serving the local communities in which we operate and our commitment to employees are both of paramount importance to our company, and we believe that Federal Signal shares these values. They represent the right cultural fit to continue building on that legacy, while accelerating New Way’s growth prospects going forward.”

The Company anticipates completing the transaction during the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

Financial Details

The Company expects the transaction to be neutral to earnings per share (“EPS”) in 2026, reflecting planned business investments, integration and optimization initiatives, higher interest cost, and anticipated purchase accounting effects, including a preliminary estimate of intangible asset amortization expense. The Company expects the transaction to be accretive to EPS in subsequent years, with anticipated EPS accretion of between $0.40 and $0.45 in 2028, including anticipated annual run-rate synergies of between $15 million and $20 million, currently expected to be substantially realized by the end of 2028.

Conference Call

The Company will host an investor conference call and webcast to discuss the transaction at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Investors and analysts may access the webcast at www.federalsignal.com. The teleconference may be accessed 10 minutes prior to the start by calling 1-877-704-4453 and using conference ID 13756156. An archived replay of the investor conference call will be available on the Company’s website shortly after the call concludes. The replay telephone number is 1-844-512-2921, pin number 13756156.

Advisors

Deutsche Bank Securities is serving as lead financial advisor to the Company. Raymond James & Associates Inc. and William Blair are also serving as financial advisors to the Company. Thompson Coburn LLP and Mayer Brown are serving as the Company’s legal advisors. Stifel is serving as the exclusive financial advisor to New Way.

About Federal Signal

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer, manufacturer and supplier of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Ill., with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com.

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This release contains unaudited financial information and various forward-looking statements as of the date hereof and we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements regardless of new developments or otherwise. Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. Such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from those stated. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: our ability to successfully close and implement the acquisition of New Way, our ability to achieve anticipated revenue and cost benefits associated with the New Way acquisition, economic and political uncertainty, risks and adverse economic effects associated with geopolitical conflicts including tariffs and other trade conflicts, legal and regulatory developments, foreign currency exchange rate changes, inflationary pressures, product and price competition, supply chain disruptions, availability and pricing of raw materials, interest rate changes, risks associated with acquisitions such as integration of operations and achieving anticipated revenue and cost benefits, work stoppages, increases in pension funding requirements, cybersecurity risks, increased legal expenses and litigation results and other risks and uncertainties described in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

As used herein, “GAAP” refers to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This release includes certain non-GAAP measures, as defined under SEC rules, which are defined below. The non-GAAP financial information presented herein should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The Company has provided this supplemental information to investors, analysts, and other interested parties to enable them to perform additional analyses of operating results, and to provide an additional measure of performance which management considers in operating the business.

Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization (“EBITDA”)

EBITDA represents the total of net income, interest expense, net, acquisition and integration-related expenses, net, purchase accounting effects, other expense, net, income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization expense, as applicable.

Net Debt Leverage

The Company’s net debt leverage ratio is calculated as net debt (total borrowings and finance lease obligations less cash and cash equivalents) divided by trailing twelve-month EBITDA.

The Company is unable to provide forward-looking quantitative reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to any GAAP measure because the Company is unable to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate outcome of certain significant items without unreasonable effort. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors and could have a material impact on GAAP reported results for the relevant periods. These forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures reflect management’s current expectation and beliefs regarding the potential benefits of the proposed transaction.

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SOURCE Federal Signal Corporation