Tag: PR Newswire

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

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

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

VertexOne Thought Leadership on the IUCX Stage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEDIA
Lynn Steinberg
VertexOne
lynn.steinberg@vertexone.net

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vertexone-drives-industry-conversation-at-iucx-2025-with-vxconnect-launch–strategic-insights-302450640.html

SOURCE VertexOne

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/one-gas-inc-announces-public-offering-of-2-500-000-shares-of-common-stock-302450595.html

SOURCE ONE Gas, Inc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About 55H

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

About Core Data Centres Inc.

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

Media Contact

Grain Management Public Relations

PR@graingp.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ontario-based-55h-data-centre-hosts-brampton-mayor-patrick-brown-to-showcase-expansion-digital-innovation-and-economic-impact-302450495.html

SOURCE 55H

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/impact-capital-managers-announces-2025-mosaic-fellows-supporting-the-next-generation-of-impact-investors-302450442.html

SOURCE Impact Capital Managers

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

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

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

Highlights of the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee field:

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Two-night ION special event:

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

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

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

The 2025 Bee also will celebrate three special recognitions:

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

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

For media covering the Bee:

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

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

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

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

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scripps-national-spelling-bee-welcomes-243-spellers-for-historic-100th-anniversary-302450345.html

SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company

LOS ANGELES, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — State oil and gas regulators approved just three new drilling permits in the first quarter of 2025 compared to zero approvals the same quarter last year, according to a new analysis by Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance. Overall, single digit approvals for new wells continue a trend of dramatic permit approval drops. Today, the number approved is 99.6% lower than in 2019 as California continues to pursue greenhouse gas emissions reductions and take steps to protect public health, particularly in frontline communities.  

However, the groups warn that these gains could be undermined as Kern County, California’s oil drilling epicenter, prepares to resume issuing thousands of its own permits potentially under a single blanket environmental review. At the same time, legislation advancing in Sacramento aims to lift the state’s moratorium on carbon dioxide pipelines, paving the way for risky carbon capture projects.

“Governor Newsom has taken real action to prevent long-term greenhouse gas emissions by slowing new drilling in populated areas,” said Kyle Ferrar, Western Director of FracTracker Alliance. “But 2025 is a turning point. California will either secure its climate gains or allow the oil and gas industry to flood the state with thousands of new permits again.”

Kern County’s Blanket Permitting Plan Raises Alarms

Over the past two years, California has moved away from rubber-stamping oil and gas drilling permits. But Kern County is now seeking to sidestep individual environmental reviews for each new well, hoping to use a single Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for thousands of sites. The California Court of Appeal struck down this approach in 2020 and again in 2024, citing failures to assess air quality, noise impacts, cancer risks, water impacts, and threats to farmland. The revised plan heads to a hearing before the Kern County Planning Commission in June and then the County Board of Supervisors later this summer.

“Kern’s plan to fast-track oil permits under a flawed EIR is a direct threat to public health and environmental justice,” said Ferrar. “Even if the county moves forward, the state must not rubber-stamp permits without properly evaluating the risks under CEQA.”

CO₂ Pipeline Legislation Threatens to Undermine Progress

Simultaneously, two bills—CA AB 881 (Petrie-Norris) and CA SB 614 (Stern)—that would lift California’s moratorium on carbon dioxide pipelines, are moving through the legislature. These pipelines are a key enabler of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects that draw carbon from smokestacks and bury them underground, which critics say are unproven and unsafe.

“Allowing CO₂ pipelines is a gift to oil companies trying to greenwash their operations,” said Liza Tucker, consumer advocate at Consumer Watchdog. “We’re cutting back on oil drilling permits, only to clear the path for dangerous carbon infrastructure that threatens communities.”

Pipeline leaks can lead to suffocation of people nearby. Tucker cited a 2021 CO₂ pipeline rupture in Mississippi that hospitalized dozens and left some permanently disabled. “These are unproven technologies that actually increase emissions, air pollution, and energy costs. The CO₂ pipeline moratorium must stay in place until federal safety standards are overhauled and California adopts its own protections tailored to the state’s geography.”

Chevron, California Resources Corp (CRC), and the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) are lobbying in support of getting AB 881 passed, according to lobbying forms filed at the Secretary of State’s Office. Chevron spent a total of $3.7 million on lobbying in the first quarter; CRC spent nearly $208,000, and WSPA spent a total of $3.4 million. 

Climate Progress Hangs in the Balance

Since taking office in 2019, Governor Newsom’s administration has approved 17,677 new drilling and rework permits. While the pace of approval has slowed significantly, watchdogs caution that total emissions from new projects could rise if loopholes like Kern County’s single EIR or pipeline legislation are allowed to proceed.

In the first quarter, while three permits were approved to drill new wells, permits approved to rework or redrill conventional oil and gas wells fell. Permits to rework or redrill wells using enhanced oil recovery techniques—such as steaming to bring oil up from below—were more than three times higher than in the first quarter of 2024.  (See Table 1.)

Table 1. Comparison of oil and gas production and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) permitting approvals between quarters. Comparing a quarter to the same quarter the year before provides the same seasonal snapshot.

For more information and ongoing tracking of state drilling approvals, visit NewsomWellWatch.com, a joint project of Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/minimal-new-oil-well-permits-in-q1-2025-but-kern-county-and-co-pipeline-bills-threaten-climate-progress-say-consumer-watchdog-302450359.html

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

The clubhouse is funded in part by ARCHIMED’s EURÊKA Foundation and the Devils Youth Foundation

NEWARK, N.J., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Goodwill Industries^® of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. (Goodwill NYNJ) is proud to announce the grand opening of Brick House, a new community-focused Clubhouse located in the heart of Newark. Brick House is the first program of its kind in the city and only the second in the state of New Jersey. The Clubhouse will celebrate its official opening with a public open house on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 982 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102, from 10:00AM-12:30PM.

Following the globally recognized Clubhouse International model, Brick House offers adults 18 and older who are living with mental illness a welcoming, member-led space focused on recovery through community, connection, and purpose. Members engage in meaningful activities that promote wellness, build skills, and support employment readiness in a peer-supported environment.

“Clubhouse is a safe space and community where someone with mental illness is valued and needed,” said Carline Dalton, Senior Vice President of Behavioral Health Services, Goodwill NYNJ. “At Goodwill, we’re committed to supporting mental health and are thrilled to bring this type of space to the city of Newark.”

The development of Brick House was made possible in part by funding from the Devils Youth Foundation and ARCHIMED’s EURÊKA Foundation—organizations deeply committed to uplifting local communities. Their investment in Brick House reflects a shared belief in the power of inclusive spaces where individuals living with mental illness can build relationships, gain new skills, and thrive within a supportive environment.

“At the Devils Youth Foundation, we believe in the power of investing in programs that build stronger, healthier communities,” said Kate Whitman Annis, Executive Director of the Devils Youth Foundation. “Supporting the grand opening of Goodwill’s ‘Brick House’ Clubhouse aligns perfectly with our mission to uplift youth and families across Newark. This Clubhouse will be a vital space for connection, healing, and opportunity, and we’re proud to help bring it to life for those who need it most.”

The EURÊKA Foundation, an extension of ARCHIMED, is guided by its commitment to the mental health community and belief in creating access to opportunity. The Foundation believes in the lasting positive impact of the Clubhouse model and supports the model in eight countries.

“We understand the importance of empowerment and that people living with mental illness have the same potential as everyone else,” emphasized Virgine Faucheur, EURÊKA Foundation development director. “We are proud to help GOODWILL NYNJ in its mission for fragile persons to rejoin the workforce.”

Denis Ribon, Chairman and Managing Partner for ARCHIMED, added: “A significant portion of our funds’ carried interest has been and will continue to be committed to the EURÊKA Foundation. It’s important that investment performance serves a greater purpose.”

The May 12 open house will feature guided tours, opportunities to meet Clubhouse staff, and remarks from Goodwill leadership and program partners.

For more information on how to become a member or partner with Brick House, please contact Director, Fatizenebu Oyibo at (973) 481-2300 Ext.5120 or foyibo@goodwillny.org.

About Goodwill NYNJ
Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. (Goodwill NYNJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates retail stores across the region, fueled by donations of clothing and household items. These donations support Goodwill NYNJ’s mission to provide workforce development services, job training, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities and individuals facing barriers to work.

For 110 years, Goodwill NYNJ has helped build better lives for thousands of individuals and families across the New York City metropolitan area. Its mission is to empower people with disabilities and other barriers to employment to achieve independence through the power of work.

Learn more at www.goodwillnynj.org and find us on Facebook and Instagram @GoodwillNYNJ.

About Devils Youth Foundation
Devils Youth Foundation (DYF), a 501(c)(3) organization, enriches the lives of New Jersey’s youth by creating life-changing opportunities and inspiring youth in our communities through the power of sports and entertainment. The Foundation has donated over $4 million in funds to help nonprofit partners address issues such as food insecurity by working to provide access to nutritious meals and education; growing the game through inclusive sports and fitness programming; creating safe spaces for improved physical and mental well-being and life skills; and enhancing art education by increasing student participation and access. For more information or to donate go to DevilsYouthFoundation.org or find us on Instagram at @devilsyouthfoundation

About ARCHIMED
With offices in Europe, North America and Asia, ARCHIMED is a leading investment firm focused exclusively on healthcare industries. Its mix of operational, medical, scientific and financial expertise allows ARCHIMED to serve as both a strategic and financial partner to healthcare businesses. Prioritized areas of focus include Animal & Environmental Health, Biopharma Products, Consumer Health, Diagnostics, Healthcare IT, Life Science Tools & Biologic Services, MedTech, and Pharma Services. ARCHIMED helps partners internationalize, acquire, innovate and expand their products and services. ARCHIMED manages €8 billion across its various funds. Since inception, ARCHIMED has been a committed Impact investor, both directly and through its EURÊKA Foundation. To learn more about ARCHIMED, visit: https://archimed.group/

Contact: LaKara Person, lperson@goodwillny.org, (929) 627-0222

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/goodwill-nynj-celebrates-grand-opening-of-brick-house-newarks-first-clubhouse-for-adults-with-mental-illness-302450271.html

SOURCE Goodwill NYNJ

The decade-long initiative honors Duncan Finigan’s legacy while continuing to support groundbreaking cancer research and patient care

BRAINTREE, Mass., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — OOFOS, the global leader in Active Recovery footwear, today proudly announces a monumental achievement in their Project Pink initiative, surpassing the extraordinary milestone of $5 million in all-time donations to breast cancer research and patient care globally. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in OOFOS’ ongoing commitment to awareness, patient care and breast cancer research.

A year-round initiative, Project Pink has become a cornerstone of OOFOS’ brand, representing not just a fundraising initiative, but a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Launched in 2015 as a tribute to one of OOFOS’ first employees, Duncan Finigan, who bravely fought stage IV breast cancer until her passing in 2019, Project Pink was born out of a desire to honor Duncan’s legacy and bring tangible support to the breast cancer community.

“Project Pink is more than just a charitable initiative for us – it’s at the heart of who we are as a company,” says Lou Panaccione, OOFOS Co-Founder and CEO. “It’s a testament to our values, our mission, and our ongoing commitment to not only raising awareness but also directly impacting the fight against breast cancer. For the past decade, Project Pink has not only raised millions but has become an integral part of our company culture, helping us connect with our community on a personal level. Duncan’s spirit continues to guide us every day, and we are proud to see how much Project Pink has grown.”

Throughout the years, Project Pink has become a truly global OOFOS initiative, supporting multiple cancer charities around the world, including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) in the US, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in the UK, Princess Margaret Hospital in Canada and the National Breast Cancer Foundation Australia. Year-round, a percentage of all sales from the OOFOS website in each region goes directly to the charitable partner. This funding supports crucial research and patient care efforts, which plays a vital role in advancing the fight against breast cancer.

This May in the US, in addition to donating a percentage of all sales from OOFOS.com to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, OOFOS will debut a three-shoe Project Pink Collection with 10% of sales from each pair sold going directly to DFCI and the Jimmy Fund. The Project Pink Collection includes an OOmy Stride in men’s and women’s ($159.95) and an OOahh Fused slide in unisex sizing ($79.95). This collection will be sold on OOFOS.com and select retailers while inventory lasts.

Beyond financial contributions, OOFOS has embraced the opportunity to provide additional support for those affected by breast cancer. Collaborating closely with breast cancer patients and healthcare staff, OOFOS ensures that its contributions go beyond shoes, providing experiences and personal connections for patients and their families. Project Pink has also expanded into new initiatives, including sponsorships of events like the Pan-Mass Challenge, with a team of riders from OOFOS personally fundraising and participating every year, as well as supporting the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team and donating footwear to DFCI nurses, furthering OOFOS’ impact in the breast cancer community.

For OOFOS, Project Pink is not just about a donation—it’s about creating a community of support, raising awareness, and playing an active role in transforming the future of patient care and advancing breast cancer research. The 10th anniversary of Project Pink serves as both a celebration of the progress made and a reminder of the ongoing need for dedication and action in the fight against breast cancer.

“When we made our first donation in 2017, I promised Duncan we would reach $1M one day,” adds Panaccione. “Not only did we keep that promise to her, reaching that $1M milestone in 2020, but now just 5 years later, the brand is proud to hit the $5M milestone with a truly global initiative. And as I always say, we are just getting started.”

For further information, media inquiries, or sample requests, please contact:
Annie Draper: adraper@cruoftwo.com

About OOFOS

OOFOS is the global leader in recovery footwear, founded with the mission to help runners and fitness enthusiasts recover better from their workouts. Made with revolutionary OOfoam™ technology, OOFOS footwear is designed to absorb 37% more impact than traditional footwear, reducing stress on joints and keeping anyone, of any activity level, feeling their best. From professional athletes to casual walkers, OOFOS footwear will make your hard-working feet and body feel better – all you have to do is feel the OO. For more information, visit www.oofos.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oofos-commemorates-10-years-of-project-pink-and-5-million-in-donations-to-breast-cancer-research-302450148.html

SOURCE OOFOS

ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla., May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dunamis Premium Spirits, founded in 2021 by entrepreneur and helicopter pilot Victor Young, is redefining the craft spirits industry by blending a commitment to excellence with a passion for aviation. Located in Zephyrhills, Florida—renowned for its pure drinking water—Dunamis has rapidly gained national recognition for its award-winning spirits and innovative approach to distilling.

The name “Dunamis,” derived from ancient Greek, signifies the highest level of power and greatness—a philosophy that permeates every aspect of the company’s operations. Young’s dedication to quality is evident in the meticulous selection of premium grains and the utilization of Zephyrhills’ pristine water, a critical component in crafting exceptional spirits.

Dunamis’ portfolio boasts several acclaimed products, including the Double Gold Medal-winning Interstellar Bourbon, the Gold Medal-awarded Bianca Supreme Aged Rum, and Zulu Hotel Airman’s Gin. The recently launched Aero Squadron Vodka not only exemplifies the brand’s innovative spirit but also supports a noble cause, with proceeds benefiting Folds of Honor, an organization providing scholarships to families of fallen soldiers and first responders.

As one of fewer than 20 African American distillers in the United States, Young is committed to fostering diversity within the industry. His efforts extend beyond distilling; he actively supports aspiring aviators through mentorship and financial assistance, helping to cultivate the next generation of pilots.

“Being one of the few African American distillers in the country is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Young. “I want to show others that excellence knows no boundaries, and that greatness can come from anywhere. Dunamis isn’t just about spirits—it’s about creating a legacy that inspires others to pursue their own version of greatness.”

Embracing his aviation roots, Young is transforming Dunamis into the nation’s first fly-in distillery. Plans are underway to construct an on-site helipad, allowing guests from across Florida—including cities like Ocala, Orlando, Sarasota, Bradenton, and Tampa—to arrive by helicopter for exclusive aerial tours and immersive distillery experiences.

Dunamis Premium Spirits are currently distributed across Florida, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Louisiana, and Iowa, with expansion into additional states in 2025.

For more information about Dunamis Premium Spirits, visit www.dunamispremiumspirits.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dunamis-premium-spirits-soars-to-new-heights-with-award-winning-craftsmanship-and-aviation-inspired-innovation-302449074.html

SOURCE Dunamis Premium Spirits

Company expects the 105,000-square-foot facility to play a vital role in improving recycling rates throughout Greater St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG), a leader in the environmental services industry, today announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art recycling center in Bridgeton, Mo., to serve Greater St. Louis and the region. Republic Services expects the facility, anticipated to open in mid-2027, will have higher capacity and more advanced technology than current facilities in the area, helping to improve recycling rates.

The 105,000-square-foot recycling center is estimated to manage recyclables from approximately 3 million people throughout Greater St. Louis and surrounding communities. The high-capacity facility will process up to 45 tons, or nine truckloads, of single-stream recyclables per hour, including paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and jugs, aluminum and metal food and beverage cans, and glass bottles and jars.

“Our investment in this new recycling center reinforces Republic Services’ commitment to circularity, sustainability and the St. Louis community,” said Republic Services Area President Andrew Wempe. “It will meet growing demand for recycling throughout Greater St. Louis and help our customers achieve their sustainability goals.”

The facility will be designed with cutting-edge recycling technology, including a minimum of 10 optical sorters that use digital recognition to identify and separate paper or plastic in milliseconds, screening technology to sort recycling material by size and remove unrecyclable material from the stream, and artificial intelligence (AI) to help reduce contamination. AI system data also will enable real-time adjustments to maximize the volume of materials recycled.

Groundbreaking, contingent on the permitting process, is anticipated to occur in the first quarter of 2026. The project is expected to create up to 200 full-time construction jobs, and 60 full-time employees will work at the facility once completed.

Republic Services has a large presence in Greater St. Louis. The company employs nearly 1,000 people in the area and operates 12 facilities, including hauling locations, transfer stations, recycling centers and disposal sites.

The company also actively supports Greater St. Louis through community investment and volunteer initiatives. Over the last seven years, support from Republic Services and the Republic Services Charitable Foundation to area nonprofits has positively impacted more than 360,000 people in Greater St. Louis and more than 650,000 people throughout Missouri. 

As one of the nation’s largest recyclers, Republic Services processes 5 million tons of recyclable materials annually through 75 facilities across the country.

About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Republic’s industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on its vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world. For more information, please visit RepublicServices.com.

INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains certain forward-looking information about us that is intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “guidance,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “can,” “could,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are based upon our current expectations, which we believe to be reasonable, but cannot assure you will prove to be correct. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements are our ability to realize the expected benefits of our recycling center, our expectations regarding the impact of the center, the volume of materials it can process, and the jobs and other benefits it will create. More information on factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated is included from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Media
Republic Services Media Relations
media@republicservices.com
480-757-9770

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/republic-services-to-build-state-of-the-art-recycling-center-in-the-st-louis-area-302449354.html

SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.