Tag: PR Newswire

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Salvation Army is continuing its disaster response efforts following the devastating floods in Kerr County and surrounding areas, and will remain on the ground fully committed to this community, serving as long as we are needed. At the request of the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM), The Salvation Army Corps in Kerrville is serving as the location for the Volunteer Reception Center, the coordinated intake location for all volunteer and in-kind donations. The call center, which is operated and staffed by volunteers from the TDEM, routes requests to appropriate service providers based on the nature of the request.

At this time, participating agencies are asking the public to pause in-kind donations and instead support the response through financial gifts, which are the most effective way to meet evolving needs on the ground as well as support local businesses.

Donations can be made online at HelpSalvationArmy.org by selecting “Texas Floods (July 2025)” or by phone by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

For media inquiries, please click HERE.

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SOURCE The Salvation Army

Filmmakers of STREET SMART: LESSONS FROM A TV ICON to share never-before-seen clips and stories from the life of the woman behind one of television’s most beloved characters

LOS ANGELES, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The team behind STREET SMART: LESSONS FROM A TV ICON will present a special sneak peek screening and panel at San Diego Comic-Con which runs from July 24 to July 27, 2025. (The official date and time of the sneak peek will be announced by Comic-Con in July.)

Audiences grew up with “Maria” from Sesame Street. Now, Comic-Con audiences will get a first look at the woman behind the character.

Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Ernie Bustamante, STREET SMART traces Sonia Manzano’s inspiring journey from her roots in the South Bronx to becoming a television pioneer — and how she continues to shape culture on her own terms. Through rare interviews, original animation, and reenactments, the film goes beyond Sesame Street to reveal the struggles, triumphs, and defining moments that shaped the real Sonia.

The Comic-Con event will feature never-before-seen clips from the film, behind-the-scenes stories, and a conversation with the creative team.

Panelists include:

• Ernie Bustamante, Director
• Steven Canals, Producer (POSE)
• Jeffrey Aviles, Illustrator
• Grisselle Escotto, Actress who portrays Sonia Manzano in the film
• Misty Espinoza, Moderator & Impact Producer

Director Ernie Bustamante states,”This film is a coming-of-age story, a masterclass in resilience, and a testament to the power of television. Sonia has spent her entire life making television that educates and entertains. This documentary gives us the chance to learn from her once again. And I’m so excited to share it with Comic-Con audiences.”

ABOUT ERNIE BUSTAMANTE

Ernie Bustamante is an Emmy-nominated TV writer, filmmaker, and educator. He served as the creator/showrunner of the award-winning satirical web series BORDER PATROL. His stories center Latino characters and are deeply influenced by his upbringing in the Arizona desert. STREET SMART: LESSONS FROM A TV ICON is his debut feature film.

ABOUT SONIA MANZANO

Sonia Manzano was proudly raised in the South Bronx. Her love of performing led her to the prestigious High School of Performing Arts, followed by a drama scholarship to Carnegie Mellon University. She soon joined the groundbreaking off-Broadway production of Godspell.

At just 21 years old, Sonia landed the iconic role of “Maria” on SESAME STREET, becoming the first Latina to appear on national television in a regular role—a role she would embody for 44 years. Sonia quickly became a standout on the revolutionary children’s show, known for her comic timing and honest, heartfelt performances. “Maria” became a source of comfort and joy for millions of children—especially those who had never seen themselves represented on screen.

But Sonia was more than just a character. She became a trailblazer behind the scenes as well, joining the writing team on SESAME STREET, earning 15 Emmy Awards, and receiving the Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

She is also a prolific author, with books such as The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano (which received the Pura Belpré Author Honor in 2013), Coming Up Cuban (2022), and her critically acclaimed memoir Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx (2015).

Today, Sonia creates television on her own terms. In 2021, she launched the animated PBS series ALMA’S WAY with Fred Rogers Productions, a show designed to empower the next generation of kids to think for themselves.

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SOURCE Renee Cafaro Executive Producer of STREET SMART: LESSONS FROM A TV ICON

HONOLULU, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Matson, Inc. (NYSE: MATX), a leading U.S. carrier in the Pacific, has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, which provides an overview of the company’s programs and initiatives focused on upholding high ethical standards, reducing environmental impact, and supporting its employees and communities.

A downloadable copy of Matson’s 2024 Sustainability Report is available on the company’s website at: https://www.matson.com/sustainability.html

About Matson
Founded in 1882, Matson (NYSE: MATX) is a leading provider of ocean transportation and logistics services. Matson provides a vital lifeline of ocean freight transportation services to the domestic non-contiguous economies of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and to other island economies in Micronesia. Matson also operates premium, expedited services from China to Long Beach, California, provides service to Okinawa, Japan and various islands in the South Pacific, and operates an international export service from ports in Alaska to Asia. The Company’s fleet of owned and chartered vessels includes containerships, combination container and roll-on/roll-off ships and barges. Matson Logistics, established in 1987, extends the geographic reach of Matson’s transportation network throughout North America and Asia. Its integrated, asset-light logistics services include rail intermodal, highway brokerage, warehousing, freight consolidation, supply chain management, and freight forwarding to Alaska. Additional information about the Company is available at www.matson.com.

Contact:
Keoni Wagner
Matson
510-628-4534
kwagner@matson.com 

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SOURCE MATSON, INC. – PR

Group 1 Pledges Additional $50,000 in Matching Funds for Employee Donations

HOUSTON, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Houston-based Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GP1) is donating $250,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which supports relief and rebuilding efforts following the historic July 4, 2025, flood in Central Texas. 

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country directs funding to The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, which will provide funds to vetted organizations providing rescue efforts and flood assistance in the Central Texas communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort.

To donate, visit https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201. 

“The loss of life and catastrophic devastation in Central Texas are unimaginable,” said Daryl Kenningham, Group 1’s President & CEO. “As a Texas-based company, we know Texans respond when adversity strikes. All of us at Group 1 hurt for those who lost loved ones, homes, and other property.”

Group 1’s Texas presence is comprised of 53 dealerships and approximately 6,000 employees, extending throughout the state, including San Antonio and Austin. Kenningham added that Group 1 has offered additional support by pledging $50,000 in matching funds for donations made by Group 1 employees.

ABOUT GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Group 1 owns and operates 259 automotive dealerships, 330 franchises, and 39 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 36 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships and omni-channel platform, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts.

Group 1 discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations at www.group1corp.com, www.group1auto.com, www.group1collision.com, www.acceleride.com, and www.facebook.com/group1auto.

Media Contact:

Kimberly Barta
Head of Marketing and Communications
Group 1 Automotive, Inc.
503-539-0756
kbarta@group1auto.com

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SOURCE Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Retired Public Employees’ Association of California Demands Fiscal Accountability

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a landmark move to finance a forensic investigation of CalPERS investment and management practices, the Retired Public Employees’ Association of California launched a crowdfunding effort into the nation’s largest public employee retirement system.

“For too long, questionable investment decisions and excessive management fees have raised red flags without sufficient accountability,” stated RPEA President Margaret Brown. “This is a necessary action exposing possible wrongdoing, encouraging reform, and protecting our retirement benefits from irresponsible actions,” Brown said.

RPEA’s advocacy and pressure through its membership and the public has caused CalPERS to make meaningful course corrections in the past. RPEA’s goal with this investigation is to compel a reduction of investment fees, curtail exposure to high-risk assets, and increase transparency of CalPERS operations.

“Our goal is not to criticize but to catalyze reform,” said J.J. Jelincic, former CalPERS Board Member and RPEA Health Benefits Director. “CalPERS is underfunded, which is dangerous. This action sends a clear message that our financial futures are not negotiable.”

RPEA believes CalPERS owes accountability to its 2.3 million members and can bolster reform for other retirement systems. To see the NBC breaking story about RPEA’s crowdfunding initiative, visit the RPEA website (https://www.rpea.com/). You may donate to the initiative at the website or visit: https://gofund.me/74000e82

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SOURCE Retired Public Employees’ Association of California

Module-flexible solar trackers enable developers to lock in tax credits while allowing future project changes

NORWALK, Conn., July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following the recent passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, GameChange Solar is ready to support utility-scale solar developers to establish “start of construction” for new projects to secure their eligibility for the full Investment Tax Credit (ITC). To preserve future project options, GameChange emphasizes the critical importance of designing projects with module flexibility to accommodate potential future module changes.

A key challenge for developers is how to proceed with procurement when final module selection has not been made. GameChange Solar addresses this issue with the module-flexible design of its Genius Tracker system. Featuring unpunched torque tubes, low-profile bearings, and SpeedClamps or flexible purlins, the system accommodates changes in module dimensions or mounting hole patterns without requiring costly field rework. This built-in flexibility allows developers to procure equipment early to secure ITC qualification, while preserving the option to finalize module selection at a later stage.

“Purchasing tracker components early, before final module selection, is one of the smartest ways developers can maintain ITC eligibility without locking themselves into a specific module supplier prematurely,” said Phil Vyhanek, President of GameChange Solar. “Our flexible designs allow developers to move forward with confidence, knowing they won’t face costly redesigns or construction delays later. In addition, we offer the protection of a fully USA domestic supply chain.”

This design approach supports both financial predictability and long-term ROI, especially in a landscape where evolving trade rules and market dynamics continue to affect module availability and pricing.

“The GameChange team is ready to help customers navigate these changes,” Vyhanek added. “Early action, paired with flexible hardware, can protect project economics and reduce regulatory uncertainty.”

For more information on safe harbor strategies and how GameChange Solar equipment supports flexible procurement and tax credit compliance, contact Brad Sherman, VP Business Development, GameChange Solar.

About GameChange Solar

GameChange is one of the top three global providers of solar tracker solutions used in utility-scale and ground-mounted distributed generation solar projects around the world. We have delivered over 43 GW of solar tracker and fixed tilt systems that combine fast installation, bankable quality, and unbeatable value through superior engineering, innovative design, and high-volume manufacturing. Our products enable solar panels at power plants to follow the sun’s movement across the sky and optimize plant performance while protecting the array from damaging weather conditions.

For more information, visit www.gamechangesolar.com.

Contact:
Lisa Andrews
Director of Marketing
GameChange Solar
+1 (203) 769-3900
397799@email4pr.com 

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SOURCE GameChange Solar

LONDON, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) and Reactive Technologies (RTL) have published findings from their pioneering real-time inertia measurement initiative launched last year. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Taiwan’s green energy transition, ensuring grid reliability as more renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid. It also deepens the long-standing relationship between Taipower and RTL, following successful projects on frequency monitoring and spot inertia measurement.

System inertia is the power grid’s natural resistance to sudden changes in frequency, provided by the stored energy in rotating machines and other sources like motors and grid-forming inverters. It plays a critical role in maintaining grid stability by buffering against sudden fluctuations in electricity supply and demand. Traditionally provided by fossil fuel plants through the rotating mass of turbines, this inertia is declining as the use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar increase. As Taiwan transitions to greener energy, it needs to better understand this trend and identify new solutions to manage it.

Although renewables currently make up just 12% of Taiwan’s electricity mix (Taiwan Power Company, 2025), Taipower has proactively adopted RTL’s GridMetrix® platform to enhance system visibility and prepare for higher renewable penetration. The platform provides real-time grid stability insights, enabling data-driven decisions to optimize planning, save costs, and advance its 2050 goal of 60–70% renewable generation.

As part of this initiative, Taipower successfully measured grid inertia across its entire power network, uncovering a significant amount of “residual inertia”, the stabilizing force that remains in the system even when generation drops. This hidden reserve made up 34% of total system inertia, revealing that Taiwan’s grid is more robust than previously estimated. The finding confirms Taiwan’s strong position to safely and efficiently integrate more renewable energy.

This project is also notable as Taipower is one of the first grid operators globally to use a battery energy storage system (BESS) as a modulator for active, real-time inertia measurement.

Marc Borrett, CEO of Reactive Technologies says:

“This partnership with Taipower marks a pivotal moment in the global energy transition. By successfully demonstrating real-time inertia measurement across Taiwan’s grid, we’ve proven that it is possible to integrate renewable energy at scale without compromising stability. Taipower’s leadership and commitment to innovation is setting a powerful example for grid operators worldwide.”

Dr Wu Chin-Chung Ph.D, Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Taiwan Power Company

“Through our collaboration with Reactive Technologies, we have gained better visibility into system inertia, allowing us to make smarter, data-driven decisions about renewable integration. We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation, working to deliver a secure and sustainable energy future for the people of Taiwan.”

The next phase of the project will see the deployment of a system inertia forecasting tool in late 2025. Leveraging AI and machine learning, the tool will analyze historical patterns alongside real-time grid data to generate day-ahead inertia forecasts, supporting more informed and proactive grid operations.

For more information visit: https://reactive-technologies.com/news/taipower-and-rtls-gridmetrix-demonstrate-that-the-taiwan-grid-can-integrate-more-renewable-energy-safer-and-faster/

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

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SOURCE Reactive Technologies

HOUSTON, July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TotalEnergies has become a member of PJM Interconnection, enabling the Company’s U.S. trading arm to engage in both physical and financial product transactions in the largest wholesale electricity market in North America. The PJM grid meets the demand of 65 million end-users across the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States.

Spread across 13 states, PJM offers an extensive network and resources, including real-time and day-ahead energy markets. TotalEnergies can now access PJM’s advanced market tools and data, enabling its Houston-based power trading hub to serve its customers and optimize its energy portfolio.

TotalEnergies in the United States
TotalEnergies is deploying its integrated energy model across the United States, where it has been active since 1957. The Company has invested nearly $11 billion in the U.S., in the past three years alone, to accelerate development in oil, LNG, and low carbon electricity. With over 10 million tons of output in 2024, TotalEnergies is the leading exporter of U.S. liquefied natural gas and is integrated throughout the LNG value chain, with upstream gas production assets in Texas and offshore U.S. The U.S. is also a key market for the deployment of TotalEnergies’ Integrated Power strategy – with 10 GW of onshore utility-scale solar, wind and battery storage, installed and under construction. In March 2025, S&P Global Ratings assigned an ‘A+’ issuer credit rating to TotalEnergies Holdings USA, with a stable outlook, reflecting the 100% owned affiliate’s strong financial position. Find out more about TotalEnergies’ U.S. presence here.

About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to providing as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

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Cautionary Note
The terms “TotalEnergies”, “TotalEnergies company” or “Company” in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies’ financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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SOURCE TotalEnergies

VIENNA, Va., July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EVerged, a North American energy technology company, today announced a strategic partnership with AMPECO, a leading EV charging management platform provider, to rapidly scale EV charging infrastructure, targeting over 5,000 points within two years across public and private networks.

The partnership addresses a critical industry challenge: charging reliability. EVerged will leverage AMPECO’s comprehensive EV charging management platform to deliver consistent uptime and enhanced EV driver experiences while maintaining rapid deployment schedules across both AC and DC charging solutions.

“AMPECO’s platform gives us instant visibility when chargers go down and resolves most issues remotely, dramatically improving our operational efficiency,” said Peter Ruzich, COO at EVerged. “We can now provide the reliable charging experience drivers expect while scaling at the pace the market demands.”

The collaboration began with EVerged managing San Diego’s public charging network, which required a unified platform for all municipal EV chargers. In the approved agreement, the San Diego City Council aimed to add hundreds of new charging stations at public facilities throughout the city in the next five years, approximately 4000 charge points in total: 2500 public and 1500 municipal. This initial deployment demonstrated AMPECO’s capabilities and now serves as the foundation for EVerged’s national expansion strategy targeting key metropolitan areas across the United States. The partnership addresses industry-wide reliability problems where charging stations can remain offline for weeks, resulting in significant revenue losses and poor driver experiences that hinder EV adoption.

“This partnership marks a turning point in how we approach EV charging at scale,” said Jefferson W. Smith, CEO of EVerged. “By integrating AMPECO’s powerful platform, we’re eliminating the reliability issues that have plagued the industry and building a foundation for EV infrastructure that is resilient, scalable, and driver-first. It’s a leap forward not just for EVerged, but for the future of clean transportation across North America.”

AMPECO’s platform provides real-time monitoring with instant alerts, remote diagnostics that automatically resolve 70-80% of issues without costly on-site visits, and comprehensive analytics for proactive customer support. Beyond basic charging management, the platform enables EVerged to transform charging stations into customer engagement tools through integrated promotional capabilities, with successful promotions including free charging initiatives that drive utilization and create memorable experiences. The system’s advanced partner management features also provide customized dashboards and reporting capabilities, allowing EVerged to efficiently scale operations while meeting diverse stakeholder requirements across its expanding network.

“EVerged exemplifies the forward-thinking companies driving change in North America’s EV charging landscape,” said Michael Greenberg, Senior Vice President Growth at AMPECO. “Their focus on reliability and driver experience aligns perfectly with our mission to provide flexible, scalable software for successful EV charging operations. We’re proud to support their ambitious growth with our hardware-agnostic platform.”

The partnership demonstrates how combining advanced EV charging software with innovative deployment strategies can solve the industry’s reliability challenge while accelerating sustainable transportation adoption. As EVerged continues its rapid expansion, the collaboration sets new standards for operational excellence in North American EV charging infrastructure.

About AMPECO

AMPECO enables large-scale EV charging providers to launch and scale their business operations under their brand. The company offers a white-label and hardware-agnostic EV charging management platform to cover all EV charging business cases. It has a comprehensive out-of-the-box feature set that allows quick go-to-market while providing unmatched flexibility and extensibility via API to enable businesses to build their differentiators. AMPECO supports more than 160 charging network operators in over 65 countries. It has been globally recognized by Frost & Sullivan, Financial Times, Forbes, Deloitte, and PwC for its technological product innovation and strategic business development. https://www.ampeco.com/ 

About EVerged 

EVerged is a leading energy solutions company specializing in renewable energy and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. EVerged develops eco-friendly EV charging systems that integrate with renewable energy and smart grid technology, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. Offering consultation, design, implementation, and support, EVerged aims to create a grid-positive operating environment. EVerged is scaling its efforts to deploy EV supply equipment nationwide, reinforcing its role in advancing clean energy and sustainable mobility. Learn more at everged.com.

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SOURCE Everged, LLC

CHELSEA, Mass., July 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Spada Law Group is proud to announce the winners of its 5th Annual North Shore High School Scholarship Program, marking a meaningful milestone in the firm’s commitment to community and education. For the past five years, the law firm has awarded scholarships to graduating seniors across the North Shore who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for making a difference.

This year, Spada Law Group is honored to present five deserving students with $1,000 scholarships to support their continued education. Each recipient was selected from a competitive pool of applicants and represents the values of perseverance, service, and community spirit.

The 2025 Spada Law Group Scholarship Winners Are:

Sofia Taborda, East Boston

Megyn Ta, Malden

Ashley Rezendes, Saugus

Bryan Martinez, Chelsea

Christopher Seccareccio, Medford

“We started this scholarship program as a way to give back to the communities that have supported us for so many years,” said Len Spada, Founder and Managing Attorney of Spada Law Group. “Watching it grow over the past five years has been incredibly rewarding. These students inspire us with their determination and vision for the future, and we’re honored to be a small part of their journey.”

The Spada Law Group Scholarship Program was launched in 2020 with the goal of recognizing outstanding high school seniors who plan to pursue higher education. The initiative reflects the firm’s long-standing belief in the power of education and its dedication to supporting families in the communities they serve.

Over the last five years, Spada Law Group has awarded more than $25,000 in scholarships and remains committed to expanding its community impact in the years ahead.

“As we celebrate this five-year milestone, we’re reminded that community engagement isn’t just a part of our mission — it’s at the heart of who we are,” Spada added.

About Spada Law Group

Spada Law Group is a personal injury law firm based in Chelsea, Massachusetts, serving clients across the Greater Boston and North Shore areas. Known for its client-first approach and deep community roots, the firm handles a wide range of injury cases with integrity, compassion, and dedication.

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SOURCE Spada Law Group